Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
170. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will declassify the vacant property grant issued for rental properties as an affordable housing measure so that it is not counted in statistics published affordable housing delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5105/26]
View answerThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant introduced in July 2022 provides a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
The grant has been very successful since its launch, with over 3,670 grants paid to end Q3 2025 as refurbishment works are completed and properties come back into use.
The starter homes programme under Delivering Homes, Building Communities reflects the variety of initiatives and supports in place to both homebuyers and those choosing to rent a property as a home. Whether through supporting the purchase of a new home through the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme or the First Home Scheme, or enabling the purchase and refurbishment of an existing vacant or derelict property, the Government is providing significant financial support to make owning or renting an affordable home a reality.
In providing a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties, the grant is making these properties an affordable option for buyers and also for landlords across the country who without the support of the grant would not be able renovate and to turn these disused properties into homes. It has become a vital affordable support particularly in more rural areas, where supply of new housing is not readily available and it is also supporting the regeneration of towns and villages and areas of our cities, as well as supporting environmental objectives.
