Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2023
223. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the proof that is required under the Croí Cónaithe towns fund to show that a property is the applicant's principle primary residence. [3817/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All.In July 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched as part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. The grant, which was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages, was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas from 15 November 2022.On 21 September 2022, the Ready to Build Scheme was launched, also funded under the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. Under this Scheme, local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available to potential individual purchasers to build their homes. These sites will be available at a discount on the market value of the site for the building of a property for occupation as the principal private residence of the purchaser.Proof of ownership is required to support the grant application as part of assessing eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. A local authority may give approval in principle to a grant application where the applicant is able to provide evidence of active negotiations to purchase a property. Examples of proof that may be submitted to prove ownership include:
- a title deed or similar legal instrument proving ownership of the property,
- evidence of current paid buildings insurance policy,
- evidence of payment of Local Property Tax or;
- a mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months.
As part of the conditions associated with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, there is a requirement that the applicant(s) will live in the qualifying property as their principal private residence for a period of at least five years from the date of payment of the Grant. If at any time they sell the property or it ceases to be their principal private residence within ten years, they must reimburse the local authority an element of the full value of the Grant, as follows:
- Up to 5 Years – 100% of the monetary amount of the Grant
- Over 5 Years and less than or equal to 10 years – 75% of the monetary amount of the Grant
- Over 10 Years – No Clawback
An agreement must be concluded between the local authority and the applicant which contains the clawback agreement, including a charge on the property, which shall be binding on the applicant upon drawdown of the grant.
Individuals with interest in schemes under the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund can contact the dedicated Vacant Homes Officer in their local authority who will be able to provide information and advice concerning the application process.
