Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2023
119. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is essential to have a property registered with the Land Registry regarding the Croí Cónaithe towns fund; if not, if in the case of inherited properties, for example, registration in the Registry of Deeds on foot of a deed of assent will suffice for the purposes of application processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55492/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
In July 2022 I launched the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant which supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use.
From 1 May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
In order to be eligible, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant approval. As part of the scheme, properties considered for inclusion must be for residential occupation as a principal private residence or made available for rent.
Proof of ownership is required to support the grant application. A local authority may give approval in principle to the grant application where the applicant is able to provide evidence of active negotiations to purchase a property.
Such approval in principle shall not be confirmed as approval in full until ownership has transferred to the applicant. No drawdown may take place until such ownership has been confirmed to the satisfaction of the local authority.
Examples of proof of ownership that may be submitted to support a grant application can include:
• Title deed or similar legal instrument proving ownership of the property;
• evidence of current paid buildings insurance policy / schedule;
• evidence of payment of Local Property Tax;
• mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months.
