Conservation Advice Grant Scheme

for Vacant Traditional Houses

Free expert advice up to the value of €5000 to owners of vacant vernacular houses

We can carry out the report for you for the minimum cost of €7500.

To apply, homeowners must submit details of a Conservation professional.

Click on the ‘download’ button below for a pre-filled Application Form.

Download Form

Click here to read more about the grant.

The advice is presented to the owner as a report following a building survey. This report can aid with maintenance and repair work, as well as with further grant applications.

Under the ‘The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant’, €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal residence and for rental properties, and €70,000 is available for derelict properties.

Examples of buildings that qualify for free Conservation Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Stream 1

    Vacant traditional houses in villages, towns and cities where the building is a Protected Structure and/or an historic structure within an Architectural Conservation Area.

    Vacant residential houses and commercial buildings also qualify for the scheme where the intended use is as a single dwelling or a single dwelling over a shop.

    Stream 2

    Traditional, or ‘vernacular’ farmhouses. Sometimes described as cottages, these houses are modest constructions that use local materials, such as thatch, stone, slate, earth, wattle and timber.

    Vernacular buildings are structures that weren’t designed by professional designers.

    If you are unsure if your building meets the criteria please email us some photos to:

    mail@armature.ie

  • Photos are usually sufficient. The property’s last payments to the ESB or any other evidence is helpful to include, but photos are more than acceptable. The building is required to be vacant for two years or more.

  • Its ok if you don't have an Eircode for the property. Please provide what you have; an address with a brief description of the location, or Eastings and Northings if known

  • The house can be for a family member or for another purpose, it doesn't have to be your principal residence or for rental purposes

  • Homeowners are not obliged to apply for a vacant property refurbishment grant if their application is successful. However, they are encouraged to apply as their building should meet the criteria, and the report can be useful in their application for a grant

  • The deadline is 5pm 31st of July 2024

  • Typically, it should take no more than 3 months to carry out the survey from the date of approval

  • The grant provides cover for 67% of the costs (up to a maximum grant of €5,000) for expert conservation advice to owners of traditional houses.

    We will undertake the work for €7,500. This is the minimum amount in order for you to avail of the full €5,000 grant.

    Our work includes;

    Conservation Advice Report, a measured building survey, advice on improving the energy performance, and a sketch design of potential renovation work.

  • You will receive a Conservation Advice Report. This is a full inspection of the building with expert recommendations for repair work, improvement measures and upgrades. This report can be used for future grant applications like the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

    You will also receive a measured building survey, advice on improving the energy performance, and a sketch design of potential renovation work.