Renovating an Older or Derelict Property in Ireland? Here’s What You Need to Know About Compliance Certificates and Mortgage Conditions
For many Irish homeowners and developers, purchasing a derelict or pre-1963 home offers the opportunity to restore character and charm. But when it comes to mortgage drawdowns—especially with lenders like Bank of Ireland (BOI)—you may hit a snag: the requirement for a Certificate of Compliance with Building Regulations.
If you’re wondering how to satisfy this condition without compromising the integrity of an older building, you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know.
💡 The Problem: Full Compliance Isn’t Always Practical
Modern Building Regulations are designed for new builds—not heritage or derelict properties. Bringing an old building up to 2024 standards in every respect (fire, insulation, ventilation, etc.) can be:
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Technically impossible
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Prohibitively expensive
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Or worse, structurally damaging
Yet, mortgage providers often include a condition that funds won’t be released until a Certificate of Compliance is produced.
🧱 What Do Lenders Like BOI Actually Require?
Despite the strict wording, most lenders—including BOI—understand the realities of working with older structures. In practice, they will often accept a “qualified” Certificate of Compliance from a registered professional such as:
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A Chartered Engineer
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A Registered Architect
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A Building Surveyor
This certificate usually states that the property complies “insofar as practicable” with Building Regulations, considering its age and original construction type.
This approach is especially common in:
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Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant projects
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Vacant Homes Scheme applications
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Private renovations of older dwellings
📝 Does the Engineer Need to Supervise the Whole Project?
Not always.
If your engineer only provided the initial assessment or drawings (e.g., for grant approval), they might still be willing to sign off retrospectively. This depends on:
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The scope and visibility of works
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The availability of photos and records
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Their professional risk appetite
It’s essential to discuss this upfront with your certifier, as some will require periodic inspections or may charge more for a retrospective report.
✔️ Tips to Avoid Delays or Issues with Your Mortgage Drawdown
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Speak to Your Engineer Early
Confirm whether they’ll issue a qualified cert and what evidence they’ll need. -
Document Everything
Keep photo records of each stage of the build—especially before and after key works like structural repairs, insulation, or service upgrades. -
Clarify with Your Lender
Ask your solicitor to confirm (in writing) that the lender will accept a certificate of compliance “as far as practicable” for an older home. -
Choose Professionals Experienced with Heritage and Derelict Projects
Not every certifier understands the nuances of older homes. Work with someone who regularly handles these types of projects.
🛠️ Need Help Navigating Compliance for a Derelict or Vacant Home?
At Summit Matters Ltd, we specialise in restoring older and derelict homes across Ireland, including full support for:
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Grant applications
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Engineer coordination
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Mortgage and solicitor liaison
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Post-renovation sign-off and documentation
We’ve helped dozens of homeowners and investors unlock funding by securing the right compliance documents without compromising the building’s character.
📞 Get Expert Help Today
If you’re unsure how to approach Building Regulation compliance for your renovation project, get in touch today. We’re happy to share our experience and connect you with trusted engineers who understand both the regulatory landscape and the practical realities of older buildings.