There’s a lot of buzz around government support for bringing Ireland’s derelict and vacant properties back into use. Between the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and SEAI energy upgrade incentives, it seems like a golden opportunity for first-time buyers, returnees, and everyday people looking to take on a renovation project.
The idea is sound: make it financially possible to fix up old, neglected homes, boost housing supply, and improve energy efficiency across the country.
But on the ground? That’s not quite how it’s playing out.
The Ideal vs. Reality
These grant schemes were introduced to bridge the affordability gap. Renovating an old home isn’t cheap, and the state wanted to step in to help cover the difference between buying a fixer-upper and actually making it livable.
But now, we’re seeing a growing problem: the grants are being absorbed into the system long before a single nail is hammered or wall insulated. The people supposed to benefit—those brave enough to take on these projects—are being squeezed out of the value they’re entitled to.
How the Grant Money Disappears
Let’s break it down:
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Sellers are bumping up prices on derelict homes. Properties that should be listed at €50,000 are suddenly going for €70,000 or more—because “sure you’ll get €50k back from the grant.”
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Estate agents are marketing the grant as part of the value, using it to justify inflated asking prices without any guarantee that the buyer will qualify for the full amount.
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Contractors (some, not all) hear “grant job” and immediately assume there’s more money to play with. This can lead to padded quotes, extra admin charges, or timelines that drag out due to paperwork inexperience.
So while the government is handing out money to support buyers, the open market is quietly hoovering it up.
Where Does That Leave the Buyer?
The would-be fixer-upper ends up:
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Paying more for the house than it’s worth in its current condition.
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Taking on more debt or dipping deeper into savings, believing the grant will fill the gap later.
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Dealing with delayed approvals, compliance paperwork, and cost overruns—all of which eat into already-tight budgets.
And here’s the kicker: by the time the grant money actually lands, much of it is already spoken for. In the worst cases, buyers are left out of pocket, under pressure, and still living on a building site.
How to Make the Grant Work for You
At Summit Matters, we work with clients navigating both the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and SEAI energy schemes. Here’s what we always say:
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Do your numbers first. Don’t let vague estimates or optimistic agents convince you a place is “grand.” Get a real renovation plan and cost breakdown before you commit.
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Choose grant-savvy contractors. If your builder doesn’t know what a BER is or struggles with grant paperwork, you’re going to hit delays and surprises.
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Treat the grant as a bonus, not a budget. If the property only makes sense with the grant, it probably doesn’t make sense at all.
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Push back on inflated prices. Just because a grant is available doesn’t mean the seller gets to pocket it. You’re the one doing the work—you should see the benefit.
Grants are a great idea, and in the right hands, they do work. But the current reality is that too many buyers are watching their grant money vanish into inflated sale prices and bloated budgets.
At Summit Matters, we want to see the fixer-uppers win. The people putting in the work, taking the risk, and actually bringing these homes back to life—they’re the ones who should benefit.
If you’re thinking about tackling a renovation project, talk to us. We’ll help you cut through the spin and make sure your grant money goes where it’s meant to: into your home.
