All you need to know about €70k vacant property grants after Room To Improve cash boost

AS SEEN on RTE's Room To Improve, refurbishment grant of up to €70,000 are available - here is what you need to know.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a payment you can get if you are turning a vacant house or building into your permanent home or a rental property.

A grant of up to €50,000 is available. If the refurbishment costs exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available.

How to qualify

To qualify for the grant, you must have proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to buy the property (confirmation of engagement from the estate agent or owner of the property) where you are seeking approval in principle for a grant.

You must also live in the property as your principal private residence or make it available for rent.

Lastly, you should have proof that the property has been vacant for at least 2 years and that it was built up to and including 2007

Is my property eligible for the scheme?

The grant applies to qualifying vacant properties in cities, towns, villages and rural parts of the country.

You will need to provide other evidence and documentation, such as a quotation in respect of the works proposed an independent report confirming the property is structurally unsound and dangerous (if seeking top up grant for works to a derelict property) or confirmation that it is on the Derelict Sites Register, where applicable.

You will also need any other supporting documentation that your local authority may request to support your application.

Rates of payment

For the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, a grant of up to €50,000 is available. This is subject to upper limits for different types of work, having regard to a reasonable cost assessment by the local authority. The grant is inclusive of the VAT cost of the works.

If the refurbishment costs exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available. To get this top-up grant, you must confirm that the property is derelict. This means that the property is structurally unsound and dangerous. The total grant available for a derelict property is therefore €70,000.

You must submit an independent report prepared by a qualified professional, along with the application, confirming that the property is derelict.

How to apply

Local authorities administer the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Local authorities will prioritise applications in areas where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high.

You can also contact your local authority and request to speak to the Vacant Homes Officer. They will be able to assist you with any queries you may have.