Astrid Madsen
If you’re a self-builder or home improver in Ireland, there are a variety of grants available to help you with the financial aspects of building your dream home or upgrading your existing one. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the different grants and financial incentives available to homeowners across the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI). From energy upgrades to vacant property grants, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore these opportunities step by step.
Grants in the Republic of Ireland (ROI)
1. Better Energy Homes
- What it Covers: Grants for insulation, solar thermal panels, boiler upgrades, and heating controls for homes built before 2006. It also offers contributions towards your Building Energy Rating.
- Additional Information: The Tipperary Energy Agency operates the Superhomes scheme, which can fund up to 50% of your energy upgrade.
2. Fully Funded Energy Upgrades
- What it Covers: Formerly known as the Warm Homes Scheme, these grants provide free energy upgrades for families receiving government supports like the fuel allowance.
- Additional Information: Check out the SEAI website for more details.
3. Fiscal Incentives
- What it Covers: The Help to Buy scheme assists first-time buyers in putting down a deposit for a new home or self-build. It’s a tax-back scheme, so you need to have paid taxes in the previous four years.
- Additional Information: The scheme is expected to end on December 31, 2024.
4. Offers from Utilities
- What it Covers: Electric Ireland offers subsidies to new customers for installing heat pumps, stoves, and insulation measures. Energia also offers discounts through their Cosy Home scheme.
- Additional Information: These subsidies are deducted from your energy bills.
5. Traditional Buildings Grants
- What it Covers: The Traditional Farm Buildings Grant supports the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings for farmers in the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS). Thatching grants are also available for renovating thatched roofs of owner-occupied houses.
- Additional Information: There are additional grants for heritage buildings in need of considerable repair, like the Structures at Risk Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
6. Adaptation Grants
- What it Covers: Means-tested grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (up to €30,000), Housing Aid for Older People (up to €8,500), and the Mobility Aids Grant (up to €6,000). Fully funded grants (up to €5,000) are available to replace old lead pipes.
- Additional Information: There’s also a grant (up to €4,000) to replace septic tanks that fail inspections.
7. Feed-in Tariff for Renewables
- What it Covers: Under the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), you can get paid for the electricity you export, along with a tax break on your earnings.
- Additional Information: This is a significant incentive for renewable energy generation.
8. Vacant Property Grants
- What it Covers: Grants of up to €50,000 are available for vacant properties and €70,000 for derelict properties to renovate them. This includes properties you already own or are in the process of buying.
- Additional Information: You can also participate in the Repair & Leasing scheme to receive a loan for repairs, with the aim of renting it out for social housing purposes.
Grants in Northern Ireland (NI)
1. Boiler Replacement Scheme
- What it Covers: Owner-occupiers can receive grants of up to £1,000 to replace inefficient boilers with energy-efficient alternatives.
- Additional Information: Income restrictions apply (earning less than £40,000 per year).
2. Feed-in Tariff for Renewables
- What it Covers: The Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation Certificates (NIROCs) scheme closed in April 2017. However, you can still get paid for exporting excess energy to the grid.
- Additional Information: You’ll need an NIE Networks import/export meter for this.
3. Oil Buying Club
- What it Covers: You can join a group with your neighbors to secure better deals from oil suppliers for your heating oil.
- Additional Information: This can help you save on heating costs.
4. Housing Executive Grants
- What it Covers: Grants are available for houses in dire need of repair. There’s also a Disabled Facilities Grant for mobility or disability issues (up to £25,000) and a Home Repairs Assistance Grant (capped at £5,000 over three years).
- Additional Information: These grants can be challenging to obtain, so consult with the Ulster Architectural Heritage for more details.
5. Low-Income Schemes
- What it Covers: Bryson Energy, in partnership with Belfast City Council, provides a handyman service for the elderly. There are additional grants through the Utility Regulator’s Sustainable Energy Programme.
- Additional Information: Energy Plus by Fusion Heating and Power NI offer grants and discounts for low-income households.
Navigating the world of home improvement grants in Ireland can be complex, but with the right information, you can take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your home. Keep in mind that schemes may change over time, so always consult with a qualified building professional and check the latest updates from relevant authorities. Whether you’re building a new home or improving an existing one, these grants can make your dream project more affordable and sustainable.
This list is not exhaustive, so it’s essential to seek advice from a qualified building professional. Additionally, keep in mind that these schemes may undergo changes over time.
