Derelict property top-up grant: up to €70,000
If an empty home is derelict, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can rise by up to €20,000, to a total of up to €70,000. On qualifying islands the total is up to €84,000. You need a structural engineer's report to claim the top-up.
Checked October 2026. Source: Department of Housing scheme outline (PDF, hosted by Kildare County Council).
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What it is
The derelict top-up isn't a separate scheme. It's an extra amount on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for homes that are structurally unsound or dangerous, confirmed by a structural engineer's report.
Everything else works the same way: the home must have been vacant for two years or more, built in or before 2007, and become your main home or be let, with a 10-year clawback.
Who qualifies
- The home qualifies for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
- A structural engineer's report confirms it is derelict
- It will be your principal private residence, or you will let it
- You get the council's approval before work starts
How much you can get
| Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant | Up to €50,000 |
|---|---|
| Derelict top-up | Up to €20,000 more |
| Total for a derelict home | Up to €70,000 |
| Total for a derelict home on a qualifying island | Up to €84,000 |
- The grant amount includes VAT.
- Some of the 10 cost categories have their own caps, for example €21,000 for external completions (category 4a) and €7,700 for a kitchen (category 7a).
Official maximums from Department of Housing scheme outline (PDF, hosted by Kildare County Council), checked October 2026. What you get depends on your home and the work.
How to apply
- Get a structural engineer's report. It confirms the home is derelict and sets out what's needed.
- Get a quote in the council's categories. Your builder breaks the quote down into the 10 cost categories on the application form.
- Apply to your council. With the report, the quote, tax clearance, LPT details and bank details.
- Wait for approval. Don't start the work until the council has approved the grant.
- Get the work done within 13 months. Works must finish within 13 months of approval.
- Send invoices and get inspected. The council pays after a final inspection, against itemised invoices labelled by category.
Do you need approval before work starts?
Yes. Get the council's approval before work starts. The works must then be finished within 13 months of approval.
What your contractor must provide
- A structural engineer's report confirming the home is derelict
- A quote broken down into the 10 cost categories on the application form
- Invoices on the contractor's headed paper, showing their VAT number, itemised and labelled with category numbers
- Electrical work: an itemised invoice showing the Safe Electric registration number
- Heating and plumbing: an itemised invoice split into materials and labour
- An engineer's or architect's Opinion on Compliance where planning permission or an exemption applies
Are you a trade? See the full grant invoice checklist.
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Questions about the derelict property top-up grant
How much is the derelict property grant?
Up to €20,000 on top of the €50,000 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, so up to €70,000 in total. On qualifying islands the total is up to €84,000.
How do I prove the home is derelict?
With a report from a structural engineer, which you send with your application.
Does the grant include VAT?
Yes. The grant amount includes VAT.
Do I have to live in the home?
It must become your main home, or you must let it. If not, the council can claw back the grant within 10 years.
Official sources
- Department of Housing scheme outline (PDF, hosted by Kildare County Council)
- Galway County Council: supporting documentation (PDF)
- Leitrim County Council: Croí Cónaithe island rates (PDF)
Checked October 2026. Amounts and rules can change, so check the official source before you apply.
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