A grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 will be available for the refurbishment of vacant properties, for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. This will be subject to upper limits for the types of work specified within, having regard to a reasonable cost assessment by the local authority. The grant is inclusive of VAT cost of the works.

Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard vacant grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 may be available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous), bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In the case of a top-up grant in respect of a derelict property, an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional (e.g. quantity surveyor or engineer.) is required to be submitted along with the application confirming that the property is derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous).

Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more up to point of application.  Eligible properties must be built up to and including 2007 and must be owned by the applicant.

Confirmation of vacancy must be validated prior to grant approval. This can be verified by Utility Bills, ESB meter readings, or such other proofs as are available to the satisfaction of the local authority. This will help determine vacancy periods (e.g., pattern of usage or disconnection).

A maximum of two grants will be available to an applicant. Only one grant will be available for a vacant property being made available for rent but this can be in addition to one property which will be the principal private residence of the owner.

Applicants will be required to indicate on the application form confirm if they are applying for the vacant property refurbishment grant alone or the vacant property refurbishment grant including the derelict property top-up grant.

An SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme Grant may be available in combination with this grant. Works covered by SEAI Better Energy Homes Scheme will therefore not be covered. Applicants must demonstrate that proposed works are not claimed for under any other grant.

Proof of both vacancy and ownership will be required to support the grant payment. In terms of ownership, it is a matter for the applicant to confirm ownership with the local authority.

A local authority may give approval in principle to a grant application where the applicant is able to provide evidence of active negotiations to purchase a property i.e. confirmation of engagement from the estate agency or owner of the property and where the owner provides such evidence as to vacancy as is required under the scheme on behalf of the applicant. Such approval in principle shall not be confirmed as approval in full until ownership has transferred to the applicant and no drawdown may take place until such ownership has been confirmed to the satisfaction of the local authority.

The onus is on the applicant to provide all supporting documentation requested, to the satisfaction of the local authority.

Further information is contained in the scheme outline, application form and associated FAQs.

To submit a query about this grant in County Meath, please email vacanthomes@meathcoco.ie