Background
Mayo County Council developed the website www.vacanthomes.ie on behalf of the local government sector, under the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, an Initiative of the Government of Ireland announced in August 2017.
This website is a central portal for individuals to anonymously log possible vacant properties and alert local authorities who can then follow up with the owners to see whether the house can be re-used quickly.
The website aims to raise awareness round the vacant homes issue and seek the public’s help in addressing this matter. If you are aware of an empty/vacant home in your area, please log it on our site and efforts will be made if possible to bring this property back into use. Register a vacant home at www.vacanthomes.ie
Vacant Homes Officer
Each local authority has a dedicated Vacant Homes Office to provide information advice and support for owners of vacant homes. They are available to deal with queries from members of the public in respect of private residential vacant properties in their administrative area.
Vacant Homes Officers will be responsible for administering Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants (funded through the Croi Conaithe (Towns) Fund and Compulsory Purchase Order programme in local authorities.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme – provides funding so you can refurbish vacant and derelict homes. You can get a grant up to €50,000 to renovate a vacant property and up to €70,000, if the property is derelict.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Croí Conaithe (Towns) Fund and you apply to your local authority :
Local Authority Loan to help people buy and renovate derelict homes
If you want to buy and renovate a derelict or non-habitable home, you may be able to the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan (link)
This loan was launched on 22 July 2024 and is an extension of the Local Authority Home Loan.
You must qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant to get this loan.
