Expansion of government scheme aims to restore vacant and derelict homes across the county

Independent TD Michael Lowry released a statement welcoming the Government’s expansion of the Buy and Renew Scheme, describing it as a practical step toward tackling vacancy and dereliction.

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The announcement itself reflects a growing recognition that tens of thousands of properties lying idle across the county and Ireland represent not just urban blight but untapped housing potential. 

The expansion allows building contractors to purchase and refurbish vacant and derelict properties, provided they enter into agreements with local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies to sell the completed homes for social housing.

Until now, only local authorities and AHBs could directly acquire and refurbish properties under the scheme. Opening the programme to contractors is intended to increase delivery and provide certainty through a guaranteed end purchaser.

The logic is straightforward. Derelict homes are restored. Social housing stock increases. Local trades benefit. Yet the record to date has not been promising. 

Since its introduction in 2016, the scheme has brought 960 homes back into use. That figure is modest in the context of widespread vacancy and sustained pressure on housing lists.

The revised eligibility criteria, requiring properties to be both vacant and derelict, ensure the scheme targets the most challenging buildings. However, this narrowing also limits the pool of properties that qualify.

Many long-term vacant homes that are not formally classified as derelict remain outside the programme’s reach. The approach addresses visible decay but may overlook underutilised properties.

There are also structural constraints. Contractors must secure agreements with councils or AHBs before commencing refurbishment. That requirement maintains oversight but may introduce administrative delays.

The scheme remains dependent on public bodies’ capacity to process and approve projects, as well as on the availability of suitable properties.

The forthcoming Derelict Property Tax, due in 2027, is expected to increase the supply of properties entering schemes such as this.

Until then, however, the volume of eligible properties may limit expansion. Enhanced registers and enforcement mechanisms may help, but implementation takes time.

If the objective is to make a measurable impact, the programme may require further reform. Broadening eligibility to include all long-term vacant properties could increase supply.

Streamlining approval processes would reduce friction. Establishing clear annual delivery targets would allow progress to be tracked transparently.

The expansion of The Buy and Renew Scheme  represents a structured attempt to convert vacant and derelict buildings into social homes. Its expansion signals intent, but whether it will dramatically alter the trajectory of housing supply remains uncertain.

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