There are lovely older homes all over Roscommon and the Midlands just waiting for someone to bring them back to life. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can put up to €70,000 towards the work, and it now runs until 2030.
Roscommon people have taken to it in a big way. Between July 2022 and the end of 2025, 325 grants were approved in the county, 119 homes were brought back into use and more than €6.8 million was paid out.
How much can you get?
| Type of property | Maximum grant |
|---|---|
| Vacant home | €50,000 |
| Derelict home | €70,000 (€50,000 plus a €20,000 top-up) |
| Vacant space above a shop | Up to €140,000 under the new “Vacant Above the Shop” grant |
Does the property qualify?
- It was built before 2008
- It has been vacant for at least two years when you apply
- When it’s finished, it will be your home or it will be rented out
- You are applying as an individual (companies can’t apply)
You can apply if you already own the property or if you are in the process of buying it, which means you can line the grant up before you sign.
Proving it’s vacant or derelict
Vacant: the simplest proof is electricity records showing two years of zero or very low usage, or that the supply was disconnected. ESB Networks records or a sworn affidavit can also be used.
Derelict: either the property is on the council’s Derelict Sites Register, or an independent structural report confirms it is derelict.
Step by step
- Find the property. Older homes come up regularly across Roscommon and Westmeath.
- Get quotes for the work from a builder.
- Apply to the local council with proof of ownership (or that you are buying), proof of vacancy and your quotes.
- Council inspection. The council’s technical staff visit before approving.
- Approval. Once approved, you have 13 months to complete the work.
- Do the work and keep every invoice.
- Claim. After a final inspection the grant is paid against your invoices. You’ll need tax clearance for payments over €10,000.
Add SEAI grants on top
You can combine the vacant property grant with SEAI energy grants, as long as you don’t claim twice for the same work. For a full renovation that can add up quickly:
- Heat pump: up to €12,500, or up to €14,500 for a house when you replace an oil, gas or solid-fuel system
- Solar panels: up to €1,800, plus €600 for a home battery
- Attic and wall insulation grants
SEAI’s One Stop Shop service can also manage a full upgrade for you, with the grant taken off the price up front.
What you agree to
The home must be lived in or rented for at least five years after the work is done. If it’s rented, it needs to be registered with the RTB each year.
Our tips
- Get a builder’s quote before you make an offer, so you know what the finished home will really cost.
- Look for proof of vacancy early. Ask the seller for electricity records.
- Think about the finished home. A renovated period house with a new heat pump and insulation can end up warmer and cheaper to run than many newer homes.
We often have older homes and cottages on our books across Roscommon and Westmeath. Browse homes for sale, or call us and tell us what you’re looking for.
This is a general guide. Check the current scheme terms with your local council before you apply.
Sources: gov.ie, Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant; gov.ie, scheme continued to 2030 (Dec 2025); Roscommon Herald (Jan 2026); SEAI heat pump grants.
