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.
