Grant Guide

Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Ireland: Renovation Checklist (2026)

Published 3 August 2026 · WEPRO Renovations

Short answer: the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can contribute up to €50,000 toward an eligible vacant home, with a further derelict-property top-up of up to €20,000 where the published conditions are met. It is not an upfront renovation payment. The owner applies, the local authority decides, and payment follows completed work, supporting evidence and inspection.

This guide was checked against the official grant page on 3 August 2026. Always confirm the property-specific position with the relevant local authority before work begins.

First: check the basic property route

The current national rules generally require the home to:

• have been vacant for at least two years when the application is made;
• have been built up to and including 2007;
• become the applicant's principal private residence or an eligible rental property;
• have sufficient proof of ownership, or evidence of active negotiations to buy;
• meet the local authority's evidence and inspection requirements.

The published scheme is for qualifying named individuals. Registered companies are not eligible applicants. Do not purchase through a company or structure a transaction around the grant without checking the consequences with the local authority and your solicitor.

Evidence to collect before asking for a construction price

A contractor can price a clearer project when the basic evidence already exists:

1. Address, Eircode and current photographs.
2. Proof of ownership or evidence that the purchase is actively progressing.
3. Evidence of the vacancy period, such as utility information or other records accepted by the council.
4. Any derelict-property confirmation required for the additional top-up.
5. Existing plans, planning history, BER information and professional reports.
6. A written list of what the finished home needs to contain.

If structural movement, severe damp, roof failure, drainage problems or unauthorised development is suspected, obtain the appropriate independent professional advice before treating a contractor's early number as a reliable project budget.

Build an itemised works schedule

Avoid a single line such as “renovate house — €60,000”. Split the proposal into work packages that can be understood, inspected and evidenced:

• protection, strip-out and disposal;
• roof, structure and weatherproofing;
• damp remediation and ventilation;
• windows, doors and insulation;
• plumbing, heating and drainage;
• electrical work by the appropriate registered contractor;
• internal walls, plastering and carpentry;
• kitchen, bathroom and sanitary fittings;
• flooring, tiling and decoration;
• professional fees, certifications and completion documents.

The local authority decides which costs are eligible. An itemised schedule makes it easier to separate eligible work, owner-funded upgrades and work that may be supported by another scheme.

Do not start grant-funded work on an assumption

Before beginning any work that you expect the grant to fund, get written confirmation from the local authority about approval and timing. A verbal conversation, contractor availability or an online application receipt is not the same as a grant approval.

Also plan cash flow. The contractor contract needs a realistic payment schedule because the national scheme is paid after completion and verification rather than as an automatic upfront deposit.

A practical project sequence

1. Confirm ownership or purchase status and collect vacancy evidence.
2. Ask the local authority what it needs for this property.
3. Commission structural, planning, fire, drainage or energy advice where required.
4. Prepare an itemised scope and contractor quote.
5. Receive the relevant written approvals before starting affected work.
6. Record changes, invoices, photographs and professional documents during the build.
7. Complete the local-authority inspection and payment process.

What WEPRO can and cannot do

WEPRO can review the proposed renovation, organise an itemised contractor scope, identify missing specialist questions and deliver agreed construction work under a written contract. The owner remains the grant applicant. WEPRO cannot determine eligibility, promise approval or certify matters reserved for the local authority or an independent professional.

For Kerry properties, use the Kerry County Council vacant property grants page for the local process and forms. For an all-Ireland renovation proposal, send the Eircode, photos, reports and application stage through our Vacant Property Grant Renovations service.

→ Plan a vacant property grant renovation