A grant of up to €50,000 is available to refurbish the property. If the property is deemed to be derelict, i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous, a grant of up to €70,000 is available and this must be supported by an independent building condition assessment report with photographic evidence that has been prepared by a qualified professional, to confirm that the property is structurally unsound and dangerous.
The grant applies to qualifying vacant properties in cities, towns, villages and rural parts of the country.
To qualify for the grant, you must:
- have proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to buy the property (that is, confirmation of engagement from the estate agent or owner of the property).
- live in the property as your principal private residence or make it available for rent.
- have proof that the property has been vacant for at least 2 years and that it was built up to and including 2007.
Applicants are advised to seek professional advice from an Architect, Engineer, or Planning Agent etc, before preparing an application under this scheme to ensure that the development complies with the relevant planning policy under Carlow County Development Plan, and with the relevant planning legislation under the Planning & Development Act, Planning & Development Regulations.
Link to Planning and Building Section
Further information, including the Application Form, Frequency Asked Questions and Scheme outline is available at the following link: gov.ie - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (www.gov.ie)
Queries in relation to the Scheme may be emailed to vacanthomes@carlowcoco.ie or by telephone to 059 9136285 or 059 9170376.
Applications can be submitted to vacanthomes@carlowcoco.ie or by post to Vacant Homes Officer, Carlow County Council, County Buildings, Athy Road, Carlow, R93 E7R7.
Appeals
Should your Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant application be refused, please see link for template appeals form
Vacant Above The Shop Grant
The Vacant Above the Shop Grant, under the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund, offers up to €140,000 to convert empty spaces over commercial premises into residential homes. It covers renovation costs for homes intended for owner-occupation or rental. Applications are made via your local authorities.
Up to €95,000 for one unit, €115,000 for two, and up to €135,000–€140,000 for three or more units.
An additional grant of up to €5,000 is available for specialized advice.
The building must be pre-2008 and the space vacant for two or more years. The ground floor must remain in commercial use.
The scheme is an extension of the broader Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which specifically targets increasing housing supply while enhancing urban vibrancy
Further details and application forms are available on Vacant Above the Shop Grant
Conservation Advice Grant Scheme for Vacant Traditional Farmhouses
The Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage is running a pilot scheme to provide grants for expert conservation advice to owners of vacant farmhouses in private ownership who are availing of and/or considering the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme for Vacant Traditional Farmhouses will provide a grant of up to €7,500 (ex VAT) to cover the cost of having a conservation expert with proven and appropriate expertise to visit the property, conduct a survey, and compile tailored conservation advice for the property owner. The report will outline the condition of the building, suggest conservation repairs and improvements which would improve the building and enhance the building’s character, energy efficiency, integrity, and amenity.
Further information, including the application process, is available at the following links.