The Government intends to retain the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant in Budget 2027, Minister of State for Planning and Rural Development John Cummins confirmed on Thursday at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, County Offaly.

Speaking at the agricultural event, Cummins stated that the scheme, funded through the Croí na Cónaí (Towns) Fund, will remain a key component of the State's strategy to boost housing supply by bringing empty and disused structures back into residential use.

Under the terms of the scheme, property owners can receive up to €50,000 to refurbish a property that has been vacant for at least two years. An additional top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available if the building is proved to be derelict or structurally unsound, bringing the maximum financial support to €70,000 per project.

The confirmation comes as cabinet members finalize preparations for Budget 2027, set to be unveiled in October. Housing advocates and sector representatives have previously called for long-term certainty regarding refurbishment funding, citing rising renovation costs and the role of disused stock in easing national housing pressures.