Ireland’s housing landscape is shifting again, and for anyone who owns a vacant or derelict property, the changes are good news.
Alongside the existing Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG), the Government has announced new proposals for 2025 aimed at accelerating the return of empty homes — and even empty commercial buildings — back into productive use.
At Summit Matters Ltd, we specialise in bringing derelict and forgotten homes back to life. Here’s our breakdown of what’s new, how it compares to the current grant system, and why now is an ideal moment to make an enquiry if you’re considering a renovation.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant: A Quick Recap
The VPRG has been one of Ireland’s most successful tools for tackling vacancy. It currently provides:
- Up to €50,000 for refurbishing a vacant home
- An additional €20,000 top-up if the property is derelict
- Funding towards structural works, energy upgrades, windows/doors, heating, insulation, and essential internal improvements
- Eligibility for homes vacant 2+ years and built before 2007
For many homeowners, this has already made renovation financially achievable.
What’s New in the 2025 Proposals?
The upcoming proposals build on the success of the VPRG but go much further:
1. Higher Funding for Complex Conversions
New measures are expected to support larger grants for difficult or high-cost projects, particularly:
- Converting vacant commercial units (shops, offices, old pubs) into homes
- Heavily derelict buildings requiring structural interventions
Early indications suggest funding significantly above the current €70k cap, reflecting the true cost of commercial-to-residential conversions.
2. Broader Property Types Eligible
While the original VPRG focuses mainly on residential properties, the new proposals extend support to:
- Vacant retail building
- Unused commercial premises
- Mixed-use buildings with vacant upper floors
This opens up new opportunities for owners of older main-street or town-centre units.
3. Faster Activation and Support
A key element of the new plan is speeding up project initiation through:
- Stronger compulsory purchase tools
- Dedicated activation officers
- More streamlined approval and inspection processes
For homeowners, this likely means faster decisions and a clearer path from application to build.
4. Green Retrofit Alignment
Expect tighter coordination with SEAI and national retrofit targets, ensuring that funded projects achieve:
- Better insulation
- Improved BER outcomes
- Lower long-term running costs
This is a major advantage for anyone planning to install external wall insulation, new windows, high-performance doors, or renewable heating.
Why Are These Changes Being Introduced?
Simply put: renovating existing buildings is faster and more sustainable than new construction.
The Government wants to:
- Tackle dereliction
- Increase housing supply quickly
- Revitalise town centres
- Support climate and energy-efficiency goals
By increasing funding and widening eligibility, more property owners can access the help needed to bring empty buildings back into use.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you own a vacant or derelict building — residential or commercial — 2025 may be the best time yet to move forward.
These changes mean:
- More financial support for your renovation
- Greater flexibility in what types of buildings qualify
- Fewer obstacles to getting your project started
- Higher energy efficiency standards that protect long-term value
Projects that previously felt out of reach may now become viable.
How we Can Help
At Summit Matters Ltd, we handle both the construction work and the grant process support, including:
- Assessing your eligibility
- Advising whether VPRG, SEAI, or the new proposals suit your project best
- Preparing cost estimates and documentation for approval
- Managing the full renovation from derelict shell to finished home
- Ensuring compliance with local authority and SEAI requirements
With our experience in derelict restorations, external wall insulation, window and door replacements, and full-scale refurbishments, we guide you from first enquiry to final inspection.
Thinking About Applying? Start With a Free Consultation
If you have a vacant house, cottage, bungalow, or empty commercial unit and want to explore your options, get in touch.
We’ll:
✔ Review your property
✔ Outline which grants you may qualify for
✔ Provide initial costings
✔ Explain the steps to secure funding
There’s no obligation — just solid advice from a specialist team.
👉 Contact Summit Matters Ltd today to start your journey from vacant to vibrant.
