First Time Buyers Will Get Grant Of Up To €50k To Purchase Vacant Or Derelict House

The scheme will also be available to 'fresh start' applicants, including those who've left a marriage.

Grants of up to 50,000 euro will be available to first time buyers, who opt to purchase a vacant or derelict house.

The funding, which ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 euro, will also be given to 'fresh start' applicants, including those who've left a marriage for example.

The scheme, which is available through local authorities, covers costs including painting, building and structural works.

The new €50 million Croí Cónaithe Fund was announced by the government on Thursday.

A grant of up to €30,000 will be available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as a home before now.

Where a property is derelict, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 will be available, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000.

This can also be combined with the SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme that covers works of up to €26,750.

Fine Gael Kildare South TD and Minister of State Martin Heydon has said the fund will support bringing vacant and underused buildings in Kildare towns and villages back into residential use

"The Crói Cónaithe Fund will apply in all towns with a population of over 400 people, and also to some smaller villages, which may not be defined towns or villages for the purposes of the CSO Census mapping but with sufficient provision of services and amenities," added Minister Heydon.

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Peter Burke commented: “Today’s new fund is a part of a suite of measures undertaken by the government to tackle vacancy.

"It will be complemented by the upcoming Vacant Property Tax to help bring more properties back into use across the country," he added.

The application form, eligibility criteria and associated FAQs will provide additional information to people who would like to apply for the grant.

Further information will be available from the Vacant Homes Officer in each local authority.