That €75,000 cottage could become a €400,000 renovation if you don’t know what you’re looking at. Derelict homes have never been more popular in Ireland. With the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, increasing property prices and the dream of restoring an old farmhouse or cottage, buyers are looking beyond turnkey homes and seeing potential where others …
Read more “The Hidden Costs of Buying a “Cheap” Derelict Property”
As we move into the busiest period of the construction calendar, one of the most overlooked—but telling—signals when choosing a contractor is availability. At first glance, a contractor who can start in 2–3 weeks might seem like a win. But in reality, it’s something that deserves closer scrutiny. The Reality of Peak Season In Ireland, …
Read more “Why Contractor Availability Matters (Especially in Peak Season)”
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has opened the door for thousands of homeowners to bring empty and derelict houses back into use. However, while the grant is generous, many applicants experience delays, refusals, or unexpected costs—not because the scheme is flawed, but because of avoidable mistakes early in the process. At Summit Matters Ltd, we …
Turning a vacant or derelict property into a safe, compliant, and financially sound home can be an immensely rewarding project — but it also presents significant administrative, technical, and logistical challenges. In Ireland, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) offers up to €50,000 toward refurbishing vacant homes — or up to €70,000 for properties deemed …
At Summit Matters Ltd, we believe that quality craftsmanship isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. As specialists in derelict home renovations, we understand that every project is an investment, not just in a property, but in its future value, safety, and longevity. That’s why we stand by our principle: “We’d rather explain the price of …
Read more “We’d Rather Explain the Price of Excellence than the Cost of Poor Work”
Many Irish homeowners renovating old stone-built houses want to make them warmer and more energy-efficient — but airtightness can be a confusing topic. Traditional stone walls built with lime mortar behave very differently from modern block or timber-frame construction, so they need a more sensitive approach. At Summit Matters Ltd, we specialise in renovating older …
Read more “Airtightness in Old Stone Houses in Ireland: How to Improve Without Harming Your Home”
At Summit Matters, we meet more and more clients looking to step away from rising utility costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and live more independently. Going completely off-grid in Ireland is not only possible—it’s becoming increasingly practical. But it’s not without its challenges. Here’s our breakdown of what going off-grid in Ireland really looks like, …
Read more “Going Off-Grid in Ireland: Possibilities, Limitations & Costs”
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 …
Read more “Who’s Really Cashing In on Property Grants? Not the Fixer-Upper Buyer”
That’s a huge milestone—congrats on getting your planning approved! 🎉 Now you’re onto the next big phase: securing that grant funding. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (and any add-ons like the SEAI Home Energy grants) can make a big difference, but the process can be paperwork-heavy and a bit of a maze if you’re not …
Read more “Planning approved for a Derelict home; what’s next?”
Using the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant As the Grant Applicant: ☐ Registered with Revenue • You must have a PPS number and an active Revenue MyAccount or ROS login. ☐ Up to Date with Your Tax Affairs • File any outstanding returns (self-assessed income, property taxes, etc.) ☐ Hold a Current Tax Clearance Certificate (or use the …
