We recently came across this post on a forum and felt we could address it:
“Hi … I recently bought a house year and a half ago and had started renovating it when I bought it but only off and on have never lived in it could I now qualify for the vacant property grant as it’s coming up on 2 years , I am paying esb bill on house but there is a large shed at property where I work on cars which uses the same meter “
It’s not a stupid question at all – and this question about leaving a property deliberately vacant comes up quite a lot, and it’s a good one to ask before you go any further.
From a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Ireland perspective, there are a couple of key criteria that matter in your situation:
1. The 2-Year Vacancy Rule
To qualify, the property must have been vacant for at least 2 years immediately before you apply.
- The clock doesn’t reset just because you bought it — it’s based on actual occupancy
- So if nobody has lived in it since before you purchased it, you may still be okay on this point
2. Evidence of Vacancy (This is where your situation gets tricky)
The local authority will look for proof that the house was genuinely vacant. Typical evidence includes:
- ESB usage (low or negligible)
- No active utility account
- No signs of habitation
👉 In your case:
- You are paying an ESB bill
- There is ongoing electricity usage, even if it’s for the shed
This could potentially raise a red flag, because:
- The grant assessors often use electricity usage as a proxy for occupancy
- They may not distinguish between house vs. shed if it’s on the same meter
3. Renovation Activity
Doing works “off and on” doesn’t disqualify you – that’s fine. What matters is:
- The property was not lived in
- It remained effectively vacant
Straight Answer
You might still qualify, but your application will likely need clear explanation and supporting evidence around the ESB usage.
What We’d Advise (Based on Experience)
At Summit Matters, we’d approach it like this:
- Get ESB usage statements and highlight patterns (e.g. irregular use tied to the shed)
- Provide a written explanation that:
- The house itself has never been occupied
- Electricity usage relates to the shed/workshop only
- Include photos / documentation showing:
- The house is not in habitable condition
- Separation (if any) between shed and dwelling use
If handled properly, it is possible to get cases like this get through – but it does depend on how strict the local authority is. Building a conversation and ultimately a strong, open relationship with the VHO is key.
One Important Watch-Out
If usage looks consistent with normal living (even if it isn’t), they may:
- Reject the application and refuse any opportunity to reapply in the future, or
- Ask for additional clarification which can delay things but ultimately lead to the right result
Bottom Line
You’re not automatically ruled out, but your case isn’t “clean” either – it will come down to how well it’s presented. This is where we come in.
If you want, we can take a quick look at your situation and tell you honestly whether it’s worth applying now or better to wait until you’re clearly past the 2-year mark with stronger evidence. We’d be happy to put a plan together and help you with the application so it is the strongest application you can submit giving you the maximum chance of success.
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📸 Featured Photo by Gowtham AGM on Unsplash
