Vacant and Derelict Properties

Tackling vacancy and dereliction is a key priority under the national housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, with existing grants and schemes supporting bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use being improved and expanded. Their use will ensure that additional homes are provided by refurbishing existing properties and repurposing ‘above the shop’ and vacant commercial space.

The Grant applies to vacant ‘above the shop’ space in buildings in cities, towns and villages, where the building was built prior to 2008 and the space/existing residential unit(s) have been vacant for two years or more prior to application. The ground floor commercial space may be vacant or in use at time of application, but must be remaining in commercial use.

A grant of up to €95,000 is available for the refurbishment/conversion of the first above the shop unit, with an additional up to €20,000 payable for the second unit created and a further €20,000 where three or more residential units are created, up to a maximum of €135,000.

Applicants must provide:

• A fully completed signed application form;
• Proof that the above the shop element of the building has been vacant for two years or more;
• Proof that the building was built before 2008;
• Proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to purchase the building if seeking approval in principle;
• Evidence that commercial rates are paid or in order including evidence of rates relief/credit/adjustment due to the building being vacant if applicable;
• Evidence that Local Property Tax is in order where applicable;
• A quotation in respect of the proposed works;
• A preliminary design/drawing outlining the proposed residential unit(s) to be created in the building;
• Evidence of planning permission or a certificate of exemption under the Planning Acts; (Where a question arises as to whether the proposed works require planning permission or is an exempted development, an applicant will be required to submit evidence of either planning permission or declaration of exemption to the local authority prior to final grant approval.)
• Agreement to the clawback conditions;
• A declaration that the commercial element of the building will remain;  
• Any other relevant documentation to support your application as requested by the local authority;