What is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG)?

• 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. 

What is the Fresh Start principle?

The Fresh Start principle allows people who have previously purchased or built a dwelling/dwellings  to be eligible to apply for a Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan.

You are eligible to apply for a Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan under the Fresh Start principle if you:

• Previously purchased or self-built a residential dwelling/dwellings, and
• Are divorced/separated or otherwise no longer in a relationship with your co-owning partner, and
• Have left the family home and divested yourself of your interest in the property

or

• Previously purchased or self-built a residential dwelling/dwellings, and
• Have been divested of this through insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings

The Fresh Start principle does not allow a Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan to be used to buy out a former partner’s share of a family home.

Note: If you are eligible under Fresh Start and you previously owned more than one dwelling you can still apply once you meet all the other eligibility criteria.

Where do I send my application for a Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan?

You send your completed application form to the local authority in which you intend to purchase.