Vacant properties scheme expanded to tackle national housing crisis

Mayo, which continues to face some of the highest levels of vacant and derelict properties in Ireland, is set to benefit from the Government’s expanded Buy and Renew Scheme, aimed at turning long-term disused buildings into high-quality social homes. 

Since its introduction in 2016, the scheme has already brought over 960 previously disused homes back into use. 

Under the newly expanded scheme, building contractors will be able to acquire and refurbish vacant and derelict properties directly, before selling them to local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for social housing. Previously, only local authorities and AHBs could deliver homes under the programme.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said the expansion would target the “most challenging properties,” ensuring that long‑term derelict buildings do not remain idle.

“I’ve repeatedly said that allowing buildings to lie idle when homes are needed is not acceptable,” Minister Browne said. “Bringing long-term derelict buildings back into productive use is one of the most effective ways of increasing supply as well as revitalising communities in our towns and cities. This approach will help ensure that no building with potential is left idle and that more families can access secure, sustainable homes.”

In Mayo, an estimated 2,741 properties would fall into this category, but only 287 of these buildings are currently listed on the local authority’s derelict sites register.

READ MORE: Mayo records one of Ireland’s highest vacancy and dereliction rates

Mayo has already seen progress under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, with 195 previously vacant or derelict homes restored and over €10.6 million in payments made to local homeowners. Since July 2022, there have been 931 applications and 696 approvals in the county, reflecting strong local demand for schemes that help turn disused buildings into sustainable housing.

Under the expanded scheme, contractors must enter into agreements with local authorities or AHBs before starting refurbishment, providing certainty that completed homes will be used for social housing. The scheme is now focused specifically on properties that are both vacant and derelict, targeting buildings that are unlikely to be restored through private initiatives such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

The Government says the move will not only accelerate the pace of renewal but also create opportunities for local builders, tradespeople, and small contractors. It comes alongside plans for the forthcoming Derelict Property Tax, due in 2027, which is expected to generate a stronger pipeline of suitable properties for renewal.

With over 960 previously disused homes already brought back into use nationwide, the enhanced scheme aims to accelerate the pace of renewal and help address the significant imbalance between housing availability and underused properties in counties like Mayo.

The expansion of the Buy and Renew Scheme represents a key step in addressing Ireland’s housing shortage while simultaneously tackling urban dereliction and regenerating communities.