More than 3,000 previously disused homes were returned to use in 2025 under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, according to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

In total last year, 3,066 grants were paid out compared to 1,349 in 2024. This represents an increase of 127%.

Since the launch of the scheme in July 2022, up to December 2025 some 16,607 applications have been received.

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This grant is tackling the scourge of dereliction and vacancy head-on

Of this number, 12,096 have been approved and 4,514 grants have been paid out on completion of works to a total of almost €247m.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said: “This grant is tackling the scourge of dereliction and vacancy head-on, and the surge in vacancy grant payments underlines its growing success in bringing homes back into use across our villages, towns and cities.

“As more and more applications are approved, I fully anticipate this trend to continue and more previously disused properties will become permanent homes for people,” he said.

Grant extension

The minister said that in a time of housing shortage, leaving properties vacant is simply unacceptable.

Tackling vacancy and dereliction is not just a priority, it’s a necessity

“That’s why, last month alongside extending the grant until 2030, I also introduced an enhanced support package of up to €140,000 to transform vacant ‘above shop’ spaces into homes – revitalising communities and creating sustainable housing,” he said, noting that the extended support package will be made available at the end of the first quarter of 2026.

“Tackling vacancy and dereliction is not just a priority, it’s a necessity to ensure existing properties are put to use for housing.”

Donegal County Council has the highest number of applications (1,430), approvals (1,065) and payments (316), followed by Cork County Council (1,355 applications, 1,065 approvals, 316 payments) and Dublin City Council (1,007 applications, 811 approvals and 317 payments).

Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, a payment of up to €70,000 can be availed of to turn a vacant or derelict house or former commercial building into a permanent home or a rental property.

The grants are paid upon the completion of the works and the submission of the required paperwork demonstrating the work approved has been delivered.