The Limerick Vacant Property Grant: A Complete Homeowner Guide (From Application to Payment)
If you own a vacant or derelict house in Limerick City or County, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can provide up to €50,000 (or €70,000 for derelict properties) towards renovation costs. However, the application process, inspections, and claim stage are often misunderstood.
This guide explains exactly how the Limerick Vacant Property Grant works, from application to final payment, written specifically for homeowners with no construction or grant experience.
What Is the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant?
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is a government-backed scheme administered by Limerick City and County Council. Its purpose is to bring long-term vacant and derelict homes back into use as permanent residences or long-term rental properties.
Grant amounts available in Limerick
Up to €50,000 for a vacant property
Up to €70,000 for a derelict property (includes a €20,000 derelict top-up)
The grant is not a loan, but all renovation works must be paid for upfront. Grant funds are paid after completion and inspection.
Who Is Eligible for the Limerick Vacant Property Grant?
Property eligibility
The property must:
Be vacant for a minimum of 2 years
Be built before 2008
Be located in Limerick City or County
Be used as a principal private residence or long-term rental property
Holiday homes and short-term lets do not qualify.
Applicant eligibility
You must:
Own the property or be in the process of purchasing it
Intend to live in or rent the property long-term
Have access to funding to cover works upfront
What Does the Vacant Property Grant Cover?
The grant covers works that are necessary to make the property habitable.
Typically eligible works
Electrical rewiring
Plumbing and heating upgrades
Bathrooms
Kitchens (where replacement is justified)
Windows and doors
Insulation
Structural repairs
Roofing works
Plastering, flooring, and internal finishes
Works not covered
Furniture or appliances
Decorative upgrades only
Landscaping, patios, or driveways
Curtains, blinds, or loose fittings
Rule of thumb: if the work is required to make the house livable, it is usually eligible.
Step-by-Step: How the Limerick Grant Process Works
Step 1: Application
You submit:
Completed Vacant Property Grant application form
Proof of vacancy (2+ years)
Proof of ownership
Photos of the property's current condition
A written description of proposed works
At application stage, cost estimates are acceptable. Final quotes are not required.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant application form – Limerick City & County Council
Application forms, eligibility criteria, and requirements are administered by Limerick City & County Council and may change from time to time.
Step 2: Council Review and Inspection
Limerick City and County Council will:
Review your documentation
Arrange a site inspection
Confirm vacancy status and property condition
Additional information may be requested before approval.
Step 3: Grant Approval
Once approved, you will receive:
A written approval letter
The maximum grant amount approved
Any conditions attached to the grant
A completion timeframe (typically 12 months)
Do not start works before receiving written approval. Any work carried out beforehand is not eligible.
Step 4: Carrying Out the Renovation
After approval, you may proceed with the renovation works. You must:
Pay all contractors directly
Keep all invoices and receipts
Take before, during, and after photos of the works
Changes to contractors or scope of works are allowed but should be notified to the council in advance.
Using One Main Contractor (Recommended)
Many homeowners choose to appoint one main contractor to manage the full renovation under the Limerick Vacant Property Grant. This approach is fully acceptable and often recommended. The main contractor coordinates all sub-trades, issues clear itemised invoices, and provides a single point of contact throughout the project. Using one contractor simplifies paperwork, reduces the risk of missing receipts, and helps ensure a smoother and faster grant claim process.
Step 5: Claim Submission and Final Inspection
When works are complete, you submit:
Grant claim form
All invoices and receipts
Proof of payment
Photographic evidence
Compliance declarations
A final inspection will be carried out to confirm works match the approved scope.
Step 6: Grant Payment
Once approved:
Payment is issued in one lump sum
Funds are paid directly to your bank account
Typical payment timeline is 4–8 weeks after final inspection
The amount paid is the lower of the approved grant value or the actual eligible spend.
Common Mistakes That Delay Grant Payment
Starting works before approval
Missing or unclear invoices
Paying cash without receipts
Carrying out unapproved additional works
Assuming all kitchen upgrades are automatically covered
Most delays are caused by paperwork issues rather than construction problems.
FAQ
1. How long does a property need to be vacant to qualify?
The property must be vacant for at least 2 years at the time of application. Evidence such as utility bills, vacancy letters, or sworn declarations may be required.
2. Do I need to live in the property after renovation?
Yes. The property must be used as either:
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Your principal private residence, or
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A long-term rental property
Short-term lets and holiday homes are not eligible.
3. Can I start renovation works before grant approval?
No.
Any works carried out before written approval from Limerick City and County Council are not claimable, even if they are necessary works.
4. What happens if renovation costs go over the approved grant amount?
You can still proceed with the works, but:
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The grant is capped at the approved amount
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Any additional costs are paid by the homeowner
5. Are kitchens covered under the Limerick Vacant Property Grant?
Yes, kitchens can be covered, but only where replacement is justified.
If the existing kitchen is not functional or suitable for occupation, replacement costs may be approved. Clear photos and descriptions are important.
6. Can I use one main contractor for the entire renovation?
es. Many homeowners appoint one main contractor to manage the full renovation and all sub-trades. This is fully acceptable and often results in simpler paperwork and a smoother grant claim.
7. Do I need planning permission to qualify for the grant?
The grant does not remove normal planning requirements.
If planning permission is required for certain works, it must be obtained separately.
8. How long does it take to get paid once works are finished?
After final inspection and submission of all documents, payment typically issues within 4–16 weeks, provided everything is in order.
9. Is the derelict top-up automatically granted?
No.
To qualify for the additional €20,000 derelict top-up, the property must be clearly derelict and supported by evidence such as condition reports, photos, or inclusion on the derelict sites register.
10. What is the most common reason grant payments are delayed?
The most common issues are:
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Missing or unclear invoices
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Cash payments without receipts
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Works carried out outside the approved scope
Most delays are administrative, not construction-related.
Final Advice for Limerick Homeowners
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can significantly reduce the cost of renovating a vacant or derelict home in Limerick — but only when the process is followed correctly from the start.
The most important rule: Nothing is claimable until written approval is issued by Limerick City and County Council.
With the right planning, documentation, and contractor setup, the grant can turn a difficult renovation into a viable and worthwhile project.
Free Download: Limerick Vacant Property Grant Checklist (PDF)
We've put together a practical, step-by-step checklist to help Limerick homeowners avoid common grant mistakes, delays, and rejected claims.