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24/11/2025

Breathing Life Back into Derelict Homes: How the Derelict Property Grant Can Transform Forgotten Buildings.

Across Ireland, there are once-beautiful homes and properties that have fallen into disrepair – sitting idle, boarded up, or overgrown. Now, thanks to the Derelict Property Grant, owners and buyers have a real opportunity to bring these buildings back to life — with up to €70,000 available in funding to support refurbishment works.

At Sigma Homes, we specialise in complete end-to-end renovation and retrofit services, managing every stage from survey and design to construction and compliance. Here’s what you need to know about this powerful scheme and how we can help you make the most of it.

What is the Derelict Property Grant?

The Derelict Property Grant is part of the wider Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme – a national initiative designed to tackle vacancy and dereliction, particularly in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland.

Under the scheme, homeowners and prospective buyers can apply for:

  • Up to €70,000 for the refurbishment of a derelict property – that is, one that is structurally unsound and requires substantial work before becoming habitable.
  • The grant can cover costs such as building works, materials, professional fees, and utilities required to bring the property back into use.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Derelict Property Grant, you must:

  • Own (or be in the process of buying) a property that is vacant for at least two years and derelict in condition.
  • Use the property as your principal private residence once works are complete – or make it available for rent (with certain conditions).
  • Have the property built on or before 2007.

You will need to provide evidence of ownership or proof of purchase, documentation showing the property’s derelict condition, and an assessment or cost breakdown of the works required.

How Sigma Homes Supports You

Renovating a derelict property can be a major undertaking – but it’s also one of the most rewarding projects a homeowner can embark on. Sigma Homes brings the experience, technical expertise and project management required to ensure it’s done right.

Here’s how we help:

  • Site Assessment & Feasibility: We’ll inspect the property and provide a realistic overview of what’s needed – from structural repairs to energy retrofitting.
  • Design & Planning: If planning permission or architectural input is required, we manage that process and ensure compliance with building regulations.
  • Budget & Grant Coordination: We’ll help align your renovation plan with the grant requirements, ensuring eligible works are clearly identified and documented.
  • Construction & Retrofit Delivery: Our in-house team manages every aspect of the build – from stabilising the structure to insulation, mechanicals, fit-out, and finishes.
  • Certification & Handover: We provide full certification (BER, Building Regulation compliance, warranties) and guide you through final inspections or grant drawdown.

Why This Grant Matters

Bringing derelict properties back into use benefits everyone:

  • Homeowners gain a beautiful, cost-effective home in a desirable area.
  • Communities see renewed life in once-abandoned streets.
  • The environment benefits from reduced waste and sustainable reuse of existing building stock.

This €70,000 grant helps bridge the gap between a property’s purchase price and the cost of making it habitable – making renovation financially feasible where it might not have been otherwise.

Tips for Success

  • Apply before starting works – applications must be approved by your local authority (e.g. Cork County Council) before you begin major works.
  • Document everything – keep invoices, drawings, engineer’s reports and photographs.
  • Future-proof your project -combine the grant with retrofit upgrades such as insulation, airtightness and modern heating systems to ensure long-term comfort and value.
  • Partner with experts – engaging an experienced design-and-build company like Sigma Homes ensures your project meets both technical and grant compliance standards.

Conclusion:
The Derelict Property Grant offers an incredible opportunity to transform disused buildings into beautiful, modern homes — all while benefiting from significant financial support. At Sigma Homes, we’ve helped many clients navigate the process seamlessly, from grant application through to completed handover.

If you’re considering purchasing or renovating a derelict property, get in touch with our team today. Together, we’ll turn that forgotten building into a home full of life once more.

24/11/2025

From Planning to Move-In: The End-to-End Renovation Journey with Sigma Homes

At Sigma Homes, we pride ourselves on being more than “just builders”. We offer an end-to-end service from concept to hand-over, helping you navigate what can otherwise be a hectic process. Here’s a breakdown of the journey and how you can expect it to unfold:

  1. Initial Consultation & Survey
    We meet with you, examine your home (or proposed extension/renovation), discuss your goals (e.g., more space, retrofit for efficiency, rental conversion). We may carry out a full structural/condition survey to identify hidden issues early.
  2. Design, Planning & Approvals
    We assist with space-planning, architect/design liaison (if needed), obtaining planning permission or Building Regulation compliance, preparing detailed quotes. For example, if you’re converting under a grant (vacant property) or tax relief (Living City Initiative) we ensure your scheme aligns with eligibility.
  3. Detailed Budgeting & Scheduling
    Transparent costings including works, materials, professional fees, contingency. A realistic timeline so you know when key milestones (e.g., demolition, structural works, fit-out, plumbing/electrical, finishes) will take place.
  4. Building Works & Project Management
    We oversee all trades (demolition, structural, insulation, mechanical, electrical, finishes), ensure coordination, quality control, compliance with regulations, health & safety. We handle snagging and final punch-lists.
  5. Retrofit & Efficiency Integration
    If your brief includes energy upgrades, renovation works or extensions, we embed best practice for insulation, airtightness, ventilation, heating systems, ensuring your home is comfortable, efficient and future proof.
  6. Handover & After-Care
    On completion we walk you through the finished home, provide all necessary certification (compliance, warranties), and offer any guidance on running the new systems (heating/ventilation etc). We remain available for any post-handover warranty issues or advice.

Why go full-service? Because when you engage separate contractors piecemeal, things can slip design doesn’t sync with build, unseen costs arise, timelines blow out, and coordination becomes your headache. With Sigma Homes, you deal with one trusted partner who delivers the full package.

Our promise to you: Clarity, reliability, high-quality finish, and a home that works for your life. If you’re considering a renovation, extension or deep retrofit, contact Sigma Homes and let’s map your project together.

24/11/2025

Making the Most of the Living City Initiative: Tax Relief for Historic City-Centre Properties

For homeowners and investors in city-centre locations, especially in Cork, the Living City Initiative (LCI) is a compelling incentive. It’s less known than direct grants but can have significant financial benefits when refurbishing older buildings in designated “Special Regeneration Areas”.

Here’s why it matters:

  • What is the LCI? The scheme provides tax relief (income tax deductions or capital allowances) on qualifying refurbishment/conversion expenditure for properties in designated city-core regeneration areas (including Cork).
  • Key criteria: The property must be in a Special Regeneration Area (SRA). For the residential element, the building must have been built before 1915 in many cases. Works must be carried out within the qualifying period (up to 31 December 2027).
  • Types of relief:
    • Owner-occupier residential relief: deductions over several years.
    • Rented residential relief (landlord)
    • Commercial/retail relief for conversion of buildings for business use.
  • How Sigma Homes helps:
    • Assess whether your property falls into the SRA and meets construction/age criteria.
    • Plan the refurbishment to ensure expenditure qualifies (eg, conversion costs, professional fees, eligible works).
    • Coordinate with accountants/tax advisors for proper documentation of relief claims.
    • Manage the build, finishes and compliance, so the property attains its new use (residential or rental) and benefits from the relief.
  • Why it’s valuable: The relief effectively reduces tax on refurbishment cost, increasing your net return on investment or lowering cost of ownership. In areas like Cork the uptake has grown and contributed to re-activating city-centre living.
  • Considerations & tips:
    • Ensure the works are commenced and expenditure incurred within the scheme’s qualifying period.
    • Keep detailed records of costs, planning/building approvals, contractor invoices.
    • Engage a refurbishment specialist early so the scope of work aligns with scheme eligibility.
    • Consider the building’s heritage status or any architectural conservation area – these may add complexity (and opportunity) that your contractor needs to manage.

Conclusion: If you’re looking at regenerating a historic city-centre property – whether for your own home or as a rental/investment – the Living City Initiative offers a smart financial lever.

Please note: There is a limited to the type of properties Sigma Homes can work on.

24/11/2025

Retrofit & Renovate: Futureproofing Your Home for Comfort, Efficiency and Value

At Sigma Homes we’re often asked: “What’s the best way to ensure our homes work for the next 20-30 years?” In today’s building climate, aesthetics and layout matter – but so do energy efficiency, comfort, regulatory compliance and long-term cost savings.

In this article we walk through key retrofit/renovation strategies, why they matter, and how a full-service contractor (like us) delivers value:

  • Start with a building survey: Many older homes have hidden issues – damp, outdated wiring, insufficient insulation, inefficiencies in heating. A comprehensive survey helps you map the full scope.
  • Insulation & airtightness upgrades: Improving wall, attic/floor insulation and improving airtightness help reduce heat loss, energy bills and improve comfort.
  • Ventilation & heating systems: As homes are sealed up tighter, you’ll want good, controlled ventilation (mechanical or natural) and high-efficiency heating systems (heat pumps, modern boilers with controls) to maintain good air quality and economy.
  • Energy performance & grants: While not a blog solely about grants, it’s worth noting that many home-owners can access grants under SEAI and other schemes aimed at energy upgrades.
  • Extensions and integrations: If you’re extending your home (a service we provide), integrate the new build with the existing fabric in an energy-efficient way: minimise thermal bridges, align floor levels, use modern materials and techniques.
  • Smart design for value and longevity: When we manage the project end-to-end -structural, architectural, fit-out, snagging – the result is a home that will hold value, perform well and be comfortable.
  • Key advice:
    • Budget for “unknowns” in older buildings – e.g., structural work, asbestos, wet rot.
    • Stay compliant: building regulations, BER ratings, planning (if extending).
    • Choose contractors who handle the full process, not just part of it – Sigma Homes covers everything from concept to handover.
    • Consider futureproofing for changing uses (e.g., home office, ageing-in-place, EV charger space).
  • Case study insight: Many clients regret not insulating walls or attics when refurbishing, then having to retrofit later. Doing it right first time is more cost-efficient in the long run.

Conclusion: Renovation is no longer just “make it look nice”. With the right retrofit strategy, you create a home that’s comfortable, low maintenance, energy efficient, and future ready. At Sigma Homes we bring the expertise, contractors and coordination to deliver that full-service promise — so you can focus on how you’ll live in the space.

24/11/2025

Grants, Incentives & Smart Money Moves: How to Maximise Value in Home Renovation

When embarking on a renovation or extension, there’s more to value than just square metres and style. At Sigma Homes we know that smart planning, cost control and exploiting available incentives can dramatically improve your return-on-investment (whether you’re staying or selling). Here’s how you can make the most of your budget:

  • Explore available schemes:
    • Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant – up to €50,000/€70,000.
    • Living City Initiative tax relief.
    • Energy efficiency grants via SEAI (walls, attic, heat pumps, solar) – as seen via recent listings of “best home improvement grants in Ireland”.
  • Integrate your incentives with your build plan: Make sure your renovation scope aligns with what the grant/incentive requires (e.g., eligible works, timeline, documentation).
  • Budgeting for ROI: A full-service builder like Sigma Homes helps you map cost vs benefit – e.g., how much value does a high-quality extension add? How much can you save in energy bills by upgrading insulation?
  • Avoid common pitfalls:
    • Starting work before doing full cost/feature review or before grant approval (in some schemes you must apply before work commences).
    • Not factoring in additional costs in older homes (heritage, planning, structural).
    • Under-estimating soft costs (design, permits, coordination, snagging).
  • Future value drivers:
    • Energy performance (BER rating) – homes with high energy efficiency are more marketable.
    • Flexible layouts (open plan, home-office space) – increasingly valuable post-pandemic.
    • Sustainability credentials (insulation, renewables) – gaining buyer/tenant importance.
  • Our promise: At Sigma Homes we combine project management, design, build, servicing and after-care – which means less risk of cost-overruns, vibration between trades, and a finished home that delivers on both lifestyle and investment value.

Conclusion: Whether you’re renovating for you or for value, making informed money moves and leveraging grants/incentives can make a big difference. Contact Sigma Homes and let’s talk through your project with financial as well as physical goals in mind.

Grants
14/02/2025

Sigma Homes: Excellence in Business Award Winner 2025

Founded by Patrick O’Brien after a successful early career in construction, Sigma Homes was established to fulfil the growing demand for a comprehensive ‘one-stop-shop’ in home projects. By integrating design and build services under one roof, Sigma Homes offers a streamlined approach that simplifies home renovations, extensions, and retrofits, making it easier for clients to achieve their dream homes.

Sigma Homes provides an all-encompassing suite of services that includes initial property inspections, consultation, design, financing, grants applications, planning submissions, and on-site construction. Operating in Cork, Sigma Homes takes on a new project every Monday and completes a home handover every Friday, maintaining an efficient and predictable schedule for clients. The company’s clientele includes homeowners seeking to rejuvenate or extend their existing properties with architectural expertise and innovative design.

What truly distinguishes Sigma Homes is its commitment to a seamless, end-to-end service. A team of skilled professionals work closely together, ensuring each project is approached with a unified vision, balancing clients’ aspirations and budgets. Additionally, Sigma Homes guarantees its craftsmanship with a fixed handover date and an extensive ten-year aftercare service, giving clients the confidence that their homes are in safe, capable hands long after project completion.

In recent years, Sigma Homes has seen remarkable achievements, from industry accolades to significant partnerships. The company recently received the Best Use of Facebook 2024 award at the Cork Digital Marketing Awards, showcasing its dedication to sharing valuable insights with followers and staying connected with the community. Through its social media presence, Sigma Homes prioritises sharing practical industry tips and promotes sustainable building practices to their followers. This year, Sigma Homes proudly partnered with the Cork Chamber, using the Chamber’s resources to enhance its staff’s skills through various training sessions—a testament to the company’s commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining the highest standards in the industry.

 

Notably, Sigma Homes collaborates with Cork County and City Councils to assist clients in securing grants for vacant or derelict properties, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability and revitalising Cork’s built environment. Sigma Homes believes that “the most sustainable building is the one that’s already there,” and actively promotes energy improvements in every project, guiding clients through available grants and retrofit options to ensure the best outcomes.

As the proud recipient of the Excellence in Business Award 2025, Sigma Homes is eager to continue growing its impact. The company plans to increase its project capacity in Cork over the coming years, supported by an engaged social media following on its newly launched TikTok channel.

Sigma Homes attributes its success to the dedication of its team, whose unwavering support and professionalism ensure that clients’ needs remain at the forefront. For those in Cork interested in learning more about a home project, visit www.sigmahomes.ie where Sales Manager Eilís is ready to help.

Address: Unit A4, Donnybrook Commercial Centre, Donnybrook, Cork

Phone: (021) 436 5866

Grants
27/06/2024

Vacant Property Grant

How Long Does a House Have to Be Vacant to Get a Grant? 

Have you an unoccupied property that you are looking to upgrade? Then luckily for you in Ireland there is a vacant property grant available which provides funding so you can refurbish your vacant or derelict home. This grant is versatile funding and can be used to renovate vacant and derelict properties that have not been used as residential properties before, providing there is the now the correct planning permission. This funding can be awarded to those renovating a vacant property so that they can live or  rent it out.  

So, what is the vacant property grant and how do you avail yourself of it? 

At Sigma Homes, we are here to guide you through the vacant property grant. The official name for it is The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and this can provide funding of up to €50,000 to refurbish unoccupied property and up to €70,000 if it is a derelict property. The grant is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The term “vacant” means that to avail of the vacant property funding, the property must be either vacant for two years or more or it is in a state of derelict where no one can live in it. If you buy the property and leave it purposely vacant for two years in hopes of receiving the grant, you will not qualify for it. 

To receive the vacant property grant there are some other criteria that you must be aware of such as: 

  • You must be the owner of the property or in the process of buying it. 
  • You must live in the house or rent it out when it is complete. 
  • If you plan on renting the house, with the Residential Tenancies Board, you must register the tenancy 
  • Tax affairs must be organised and have received the go ahead from Revenue. 
  • The Local Property Tax on the house must be paid 
  • And you can’t qualify for the vacant property grant if you are a registered company. 

To apply for the grant you must have proof that the property has been vacant for two or more years. Utility bills such as ESB can be used to show it is vacant during a particular period. You must also be able to provide proof that you own the property and hold proof of planning permission if it is required. If you intend on applying for the vacant property grant to using on a derelict building, the property must be on the Derelict Sites Register or a report from a qualified professional stating the property is derelict. You will also need to provide a quote for the work that needs to be completed as well as signing a declaration and an affidavit provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government. The quote for the work needed to be completed is where Sigma Homes can help you! 

After these steps have been completed the application will be reviewed and processed. To save time waiting for an answer before you apply, contact the vacant homes officer in your area to see if your property will qualify for the vacant property grant scheme. At Sigma Homes we specialise in refurbishing vacant and derelict properties. Whether you want a free quote or a chat about the process we would love to hear from you! For any queries, please contact our team.  

Building Industry
23/11/2023

How To Make Home Renovations Easy

Are you planning to breathe new life into your home? Do you feel the need to modernise your living spaces or add a touch of elegance to your interiors? You’re not alone. Many homeowners are looking to revamp their homes, but the thought of home renovation can be daunting. The good news is that Sigma Homes is here to make this process easy and exciting for you.

Making Renovation Easy

The first step in making home renovation easy is to understand your needs and desires. What do you want to achieve with your project? Is it to create more space, improve functionality, increase energy efficiency or simply to update the aesthetic appeal? 

At Sigma Homes, we believe in a collaborative approach. Our team of experts works closely with you, listening to your ideas and frustrations with your current home. This ensures that the end result is not only beautiful but also practical and tailored to your needs.

Leveraging Technology

One of the ways Sigma Homes makes home renovation exciting is by leveraging technology. We use innovative design software that allows you to visualise your renovated home before the work begins. This gives you the opportunity to explore different design options, make changes, and see the impact of these changes in real-time. The result? No unpleasant surprises, just satisfaction and excitement as you watch your dream home take shape.

Quality and Sustainability

Quality and sustainability are at the heart of Sigma Homes’ approach to home renovation. We use high-quality materials and sustainable building practices to ensure that your home is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. In addition, our commitment to quality means that we pay attention to every detail, ensuring that the finished product exceeds your expectations.

Revamping your home doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With Sigma Homes, home renovation becomes an exciting journey of transformation, where your dreams become reality. Contact us today and let’s start the conversation about your home renovation project.

 

 

Building Industry
23/10/2023

The Benefits Of Open Plan Kitchen and Living Spaces

If you’re considering redesigning your home, you will have come across the concept of open plan kitchen and living spaces. But what exactly are they, and why have they become so popular in recent years? Let’s delve into this modern trend and explore the benefits it offers.

What Is An Open Plan Kitchen And Living Space?

In traditional homes, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are typically separate, enclosed spaces. However, the open plan design breaks down these walls (quite literally) to create a unified, spacious area where all these functions can coexist.

Why Choose Open Plan Designs?

1. Enhances Social Interaction

One of the most significant advantages of open plan designs is that they encourage social interaction. Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen, relaxing in the living area, or having dinner, you’re always part of the action. This setup allows for continuous conversation and shared experiences, making your home a more social, enjoyable place.

2. Creates an Illusion of More Space

By removing walls, open plan designs make rooms appear larger than they actually are. This is especially beneficial for homes with limited space for extending, as it can help create a sense of spaciousness.

3. Increased Natural Light

Without walls blocking their path, natural light can flow freely throughout the open space, creating a brighter, more inviting environment. Plus, it can even save on energy costs by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

4. Increases Resale Value

Open plan designs are a sought-after feature in modern real estate. By investing in such a layout, you could potentially increase the value of your home should you decide to sell it in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, open plan kitchen and living spaces offer numerous benefits, from enhancing social interaction to creating a sense of soace. They represent a modern, practical approach to home design that can significantly improve your living experience.

Are you ready to break down the walls and embrace the open plan lifestyle? At Sigma Homes, we are experts in designing and building homes tailored to your unique lifestyle needs. Contact us today to start your journey towards a more open, inviting home.

Building Industry
30/09/2023

Could Prefab and Modular Construction Help the Housing Crisis?

It’s been reported that the ongoing housing crisis has driven rental property prices in Cork up by over 40% and made it more difficult than ever for young Irish families to buy their first home. For years now, Ireland’s building industry has faced challenges to keep abreast of growing demand leading to a massive deficit in housing.

Part of the issue is that the building industry has a massive labour shortage. What compounds this problem is that the industry, and planning authorities, are lagging behind the state of the art in modern construction processes and technologies. The traditional way of building a house requires more labour and longer construction time. The overall result is a greater cost for homebuyers and less output; Fewer houses can be built in the old way – and they cost a lot more. Brick and mortar walls take longer to build. And additional steps are required to insulate, install plumbing, and wire the interior.

How Modular Construction Could Help the Housing Crisis

Ireland could benefit from a move towards greater use of modular construction in homebuilding. Everything from structural steel frames, prefabricated walls and factory-finished flooring could all play a part in producing more affordable, comfortable and beautiful homes faster. Since mofastertion is partly done off-site in a factory, which means that construction of the building itself can take place in parallel with groundwork. This can greatly accelerate building times. Factory-built walls, windows, doors and roofs can all be built more sustainably, with reduced waste materials. The result could be more affordable, better-insulated living spaces with greater quality control under the tighter overwatch of a factory environment.

Are Prefab Homes ‘In Keeping with the Surroundings’?

Many prefab and modular home designs have a different aesthetic from traditional Irish brick-and-mortar homes. Most Irish houses were quickly built in the early to mid-20th century to provide affordable housing. Many were not built to be attractive. However, today, planning authorities are faced with a fresh challenge of maintaining certain design standards with modular homes whilst not hindering their rapid development to aid the housing crisis. 

Visit Us at

Unit A4, Donnybrook Commercial Centre
Douglas, Cork

Contact Us

E: info@sigmahomes.ie
P: 021 4365866

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