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A home must be vacant for at least two years in order to qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Q I am a first-time buyer and in the market for a doer-upper. I’m hoping to buy a probate property in order to get the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Do I automatically get the grant if I buy a probate property?
A For first-time buyers interested in buying a vacant home which needs doing up, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant could be useful. A standard grant of up to €50,000 is available, with a top-up of €20,000 available if the property is derelict, said Ian Lawlor, managing director of Lotus Investment Group, which lends to developers. As probate properties are usually empty, it may be easier to qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant if buying such a home.