Discover auction properties across Ireland with high probability of qualifying for the Irish Government’s Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Transform unoccupied cottages, rural farmhouses, and historic stone buildings into warm, modern homes with up to €70,000 in non-repayable capital funding plus stackable SEAI energy retrofit grants.
These candidate properties have been tagged by our algorithm based on listing descriptions, vacancy indicators, low BER ratings (G, F, or Exempt), and structural condition matching official Croí Cónaithe criteria (built prior to 2008 and vacant for 2+ years).
We do not guarantee grant approval. Local authorities (City & County Councils) assess each application independently following an on-site inspection. We strongly recommend contacting your local authority Vacant Homes Officer and commissioning an independent building surveyor or engineer to inspect the lot prior to bidding on auction day.
Available for properties that have been vacant for at least 2 years and constructed prior to 2008. Covers essential renovation work including roofing, structural repairs, damp-proofing, re-wiring, plumbing, windows, external doors, and sanitaryware.
Increases the total grant to €70,000 where the property is confirmed structurally unsound or dangerous. Ideal for stone ruins, abandoned farmhouses, and heavily distressed properties needing full structural restoration.
You can stack SEAI Better Energy Homes grants directly on top of Croí Cónaithe funding, bringing total combined State support up to €95,000–€100,000+ for a complete deep retrofit.
Check the title (freehold vs leasehold), right of ways, access roads, and existing planning history before bidding.
Confirm ESB disconnection history, Uisce Éireann records, or owner affidavits proving the building was unoccupied for 24+ consecutive months.
Engage a Chartered Building Surveyor to produce the necessary structural report for the €20,000 dereliction top-up and cost out works.
Discuss the property with the local authority before bidding. Grant approval in principle must be received before construction commences.
Former HSE Building, Station Road, Falcarragh, Co. Donegal, F92ER80
Lisheen, Williamstown, Meelick, Co. Galway, F45XR86
48 Castle Street, Closegate Estate, Waterford, Ireland
2 Bothar Croinn, Saltown, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland
Parochial House, Eglish, Fivealley, Co. Offaly, R42XY61
33a Tymon Crescent, Old Bawn, Tallaght, Ireland
"Elmhurst", 49 The Marlings, Grange Heights, Douglas, Cork, T12 W3V9
Everything you need to know about qualifying for €50,000 to €70,000 in Irish Government refurbishment funding when purchasing at property auctions.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a key measure under the Irish Government’s Housing for All action plan. It provides a non-repayable cash grant of up to €50,000 to renovate a home that has been vacant for at least 2 years and was built prior to 2008. If the building is structurally derelict or dangerous, a further €20,000 top-up grant can be awarded, bringing total available funding to €70,000.
Yes. Auction properties are eligible on the exact same terms as private treaty purchases. However, because auction contracts are binding unconditionally upon the fall of the hammer (or completion of the digital countdown), you must do your homework before auction day. Ensure you obtain utility proof (ESB Networks disconnection letter) or an affidavit from the vendor confirming 2+ years of vacancy, and arrange for an engineer to inspect the structure before bidding.
To receive the maximum €70,000 grant (comprising the €50k standard grant plus the €20k derelict top-up), the applicant must submit an independent report prepared by a qualified structural engineer or chartered building surveyor confirming that the structure is derelict (structurally unsound, dangerous, or unfit for human habitation). Alternatively, properties already registered on the local authority's official Derelict Sites Register automatically qualify for the top-up.
Yes, absolutely. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Better Energy Homes scheme can be stacked directly on top of the Croí Cónaithe grant. SEAI supports deep retrofits with grants including:
This means total combined State funding can exceed €95,000 to €100,000+, substantially reducing the capital outlay required to bring a G or BER-exempt stone cottage to a cosy, A- or B-rated standard.
Both options are permitted:
In both cases, a clawback agreement is placed on the property title: if you sell or cease to use the home as a PPR/rental within 10 years, a proportion of the grant must be repaid (100% if within 5 years; reducing by 20% each subsequent year up to year 10).
Local authorities accept several forms of documentary evidence:
The grant is paid out in arrears following completion of works and an on-site verification inspection by a council inspector. You must finance the refurbishment upfront (via savings, renovation mortgage, or credit union loan), retain all contractor invoices and tax clearance receipts, and submit them upon project sign-off.
