Vacant Homes

Introduction

Housing for All, the Government’s Housing Plan, recognises the opportunity to reimagine and transform our cities and towns and increase residential development in tandem with an emphasis on amenities and quality of life. Addressing vacancy and dereliction is a key part of this response, set out in the context of Pathway 4 on ‘Addressing Vacancy and the Efficient Use of our Existing Stock’. 

Objectives of the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund

Many areas of cities, towns, villages and rural parts of the country face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway 4 of Housing for All.

There are two schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund which are delivered by local authorities. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides people with a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties while under the Ready to Build Scheme, local authorities make serviced sites available in towns and villages at a discounted rate to individuals who want to build their own home. 

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched on 14 July 2022 and benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence.

When the grant was launched, vacant properties in towns and villages were included. The grant was expanded in November 2022 to include eligible vacant properties in cities, towns, villages and rural parts of the country.

From 1 May 2023, the grant is being further expanded to provide for applications for one property which will be made available for rent, in addition to one property which will be a principal private residence of the owner. A maximum of two grants will be available to an applicant. Only one grant will be available for a vacant property being made available for rent.

If you have questions about the grant or want to know if your property qualifies, you can contact the Vacant Homes Officer by emailing vacanthomes@leitrimcoco.ie.