The Vacant Above the Shop Grant supports the refurbishment or conversion of vacant accommodation above existing commercial premises to create new homes, while retaining the commercial use at ground floor level. The property must have been built before 2008, be in a city, town or village, and the upper floors must have been vacant for at least two years.
Grant funding of up to €95,000 is available for the first residential unit, with additional funding of up to €20,000 for a second unit and a further €20,000 where three or more units are created, subject to a maximum of €135,000 per building. Completed units may be used as a principal private residence or made available for rent.
To qualify for the grant, the applicant(s) must:
- Proof that the above the shop element of the building has been vacant for a period of two years or more immediately prior to this application.
- Proof that the building was built before 2008.
- A quotation(s) in respect of the works proposed as per the breakdown of costs on page 7 of the application form.
- A preliminary design / drawing outlining the proposed residential unit(s) to be created in the building.
- Proof of ownership or evidence of active negotiations to purchase the building if seeking approval in principle.
- Proof that commercial rates have been paid or that you have rates relief/credit/adjustment from the payment of commercial rates.
- Proof that your Local Property Tax is up to date (if applicable)
- Evidence of a planning application being lodged or planning permission being granted.
- Section 5 Declaration certificate of exemption under the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended)
The application for the grant must be submitted in the same name(s) as the purchaser(s) of the property.
Please refer to page 2 of the application form for the Eligibility Questionnaire. There is a checklist for required documentation to be submitted on page 10 of the application form.