Ask a solicitor: Turning a derelict farmhouse into a home — how the vacant property grant applies

Applicants are required to fund the works upfront and claim the grant on completion, which is an important financial consideration.

Dear Karen,

My uncle owns a farm and there is an old farmhouse on the lands which has been vacant and in poor condition for a number of years. I am considering buying the farmhouse from him and refurbishing it to live in as my principal residence.

I have heard about the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and I am wondering whether I would qualify for the grant in these circumstances, particularly where the property is on a working farm and is currently derelict. What are the criteria and what should I be aware of before proceeding?

Dear Reader,

This is a query that is arising with increasing frequency, particularly in rural Ireland where there are many vacant or derelict dwellings located on farms or family lands. According to figures recently released by the Department of Housing, more than 3,000 previously disused homes were returned to use in 2025 under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, administered by local authorities, is designed to bring vacant and derelict residential properties back into use. The grant applies to qualifying properties that are refurbished for use either as a principal private residence or, in some cases, as rental accommodation. 

Under the scheme, you can receive a payment of €50,000 to turn a vacant house into your permanent home or a rental property. A grant of up to €70,000 is available if the property is considered derelict.

In principle, a derelict farmhouse located on a farm can qualify for the grant, provided all of the eligibility criteria are met. The fact the property is situated on agricultural land does not, of itself, exclude it from the scheme. However, the detail of the arrangement and the condition of the property are critically important.

To qualify, the property must have been vacant for a minimum of two years immediately prior to the grant application. 

Where the higher derelict top-up grant is sought, the property must also meet the definition of being derelict, meaning it is structurally unsound or dangerous and unfit for habitation. Evidence of vacancy and dereliction is required, and this may include utility bills, photographs, engineer reports, or local authority records.

The applicant must have legal ownership or a legal interest in the property at the time of drawdown of the grant. In your scenario, this means you would generally need to complete the purchase of the farmhouse from your uncle before the grant monies are released. 

While an application can often be made in anticipation of acquiring ownership, the local authority will require proof of title before payment is made.

The grant is available where the refurbished property will be used as the applicant’s principal private residence. The applicant must occupy the property as their main home on completion of the works and for a specified period thereafter. If the property is sold or ceases to be used as a principal residence within that period, clawback of the grant may arise.

There are also important planning considerations. In some cases, the refurbishment of a derelict farmhouse may qualify as exempted development. In other cases, planning permission may be required, particularly where there is a change of use, significant structural works, or issues around access and services. Confirmation of planning compliance is typically required as part of the grant process.

The works carried out must be of a qualifying nature and are subject to inspection by the local authority. The grant does not cover all costs and is capped at specified amounts, with an enhanced rate available for properties confirmed as derelict. 

Applicants are required to fund the works upfront and claim the grant on completion, which is an important financial consideration.

While the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can make the refurbishment of a derelict farmhouse far more achievable, eligibility depends on meeting a number of technical and legal criteria. Early consideration of title, planning, occupancy requirements, and funding arrangements is essential. 

Taking proper advice at the outset can help ensure the project proceeds smoothly and the grant is secured without unexpected complications.