Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
181. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance when figures for the number of vacant properties per county based off the local property returns will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32800/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s strategy Housing For All includes an action for my Department to collect data on vacancy with a view to introducing a Vacant Property Tax. The timeframe for delivery on this commitment is the second quarter of 2022.
The Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021 enabled Revenue to collect certain information in relation to the occupancy status of residential properties in the Local Property Tax (LPT) return forms, submitted by residential property owners in respect of the new LPT valuation period of 2022-2025. The LPT returns included questions such as whether a property is vacant, the reasons for the vacancy and if the period of vacancy exceeds 12 months. The aim was to provide an indicative profile of vacant residential properties which will help to inform policy. It should be noted that LPT applies only to habitable residential properties, and derelict or uninhabitable properties are not captured under the LPT system.
Revenue have completed a preliminary analysis of the LPT returns received to date which has been shared with my Department. The results of the preliminary analysis suggest that levels of vacancy are low across all counties. I will be considering this issue in consultation with colleagues before reverting to Government with proposals on the appropriate response. I understand Revenue intends to publish a profile of the occupancy data from the LPT returns shortly.
