MORE THAN 3,000 previously disused homes were returned to use in 2025 under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant according to newly released figures.

There has also been a ramping up of the scheme, with the rate of grant payments in 2025 more than doubling compared to 2024 – 3,066 grants were paid out compared to 1,349 the year prior.

Since it was introduced, Donegal County Council has had the highest number of applications at 1,430, with 1,065 approvals and 316 payments.

It was followed by Cork County Council (1,355 applications, 1,065 approvals, 316 payments) and Dublin City Council (1,007 applications, 811 approvals and 317 payments).

Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, applicants can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or former commercial building into their permanent home or a rental property.

The grants are paid upon the completion of the works and the submission of the required paperwork demonstrating the work approved has been delivered.

The scheme is operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage which published today’s figures.

Overall, since the launch of the scheme in July 2022 – up to December 2025 – a total of almost €247m16 has been paid out.

Welcoming the new figures, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said the grant is “tackling the scourge of dereliction and vacancy head-on, pointing to the increase in vacancy grant payments as a sign of its growing success.

“As more and more applications are approved, I fully anticipate this trend to continue and more previously disused properties will become permanent homes for people,” Browne said.

“In a time of housing shortage, leaving properties vacant is simply unacceptable,” Browne added.

The minister highlighted the extension of a grant until 2030 and funding of up to €140,000 to transform vacant ‘above shop’ spaces into homes as another measure he believes will bring homes back into use across our villages, towns and cities.

“Tackling vacancy and dereliction is not just a priority, it’s a necessity to ensure existing properties are put to use for housing,” Browne said.