Key Government Funding and Schemes

Several programmes help councils and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) turn vacant or derelict properties into homes:

• Councils buy vacant or derelict properties and renovate them for social housing.
• Since 2016, 950 homes delivered.
• Under the new plan, 1,000 more homes will be added through Buy and Renew and Repair and Lease combined.
• A new contractor-led renewal programme will also start, creating work for local tradespeople and speeding up projects.

• Offers interest-free loans to owners to refurbish vacant properties.
• Owners lease the homes to councils or AHBs for 5–25 years for social housing.
• Up to €80,000 per unit, with no limit on the number of units.
• Often used to turn empty commercial buildings into small homes in town centres.
• New pilot projects will explore using this scheme for cost rental homes and other specific housing needs.