Derelict or destitute home shows Irish rural depopulation problem; Shutterstock ID 2281203487; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -] The grant aims to welcome more inhabitants to the islands and increase housing quality, as well as better access to health and education services.
A 2023 policy means that thanks to funding from the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, people are being paid up to €84,000 (£69,650) to buy abandoned houses on offshore islands.
As for the qualifying islands, these include five in the county of Donegal: Árainn Mhór, Inis Bó Finne, Toraigh, Gabhla, and Inis Mhic and Doirn.
Inishmore, Arab Islands, Ireland; Shutterstock ID 2553477261; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -] The property also needs to have been vacant for at least two years.
Ultimately, it depends on the magnitude of the renovation you’re willing to take on, as the more derelict properties – AKA the ones desperately in need of new life – can fetch you more, meaning you have a greater chance of restoring it fully.
