A grant increase of €20,000 was announced on April 25th, 2023, to assist homebuyers in renovating unoccupied and derelict properties.

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said on November 15, 2022, that the Cro Cónaithe programme would be expanded to cover all vacant and abandoned properties throughout cities, towns, villages, and rural areas.In the past, the inner cities of Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Limerick, as well as one-off farms in rural areas, were not eligible for the vacant property grant.

Since the scheme has been the subject of countless calls and emails since the news emerged, we have decided to put up a short guide to address all of your queries.

What is Croí Cónaithe?
The Cro Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is a novel programme designed to inspire homebuyers to acquire and restore existing structures so they can live there as their primary property. For abandoned properties, grants of up to €70,000 are available to help cover the shortfall in renovation costs.

The Cro Cónaithe (Towns) Fund’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was introduced on July 14, 2022, and will help people who want to convert a once-vacant home or structure into their primary private home. The terms were extended on November 15th, 2022, and the payments were raised on April 25th, 2023.

What funding is available?
A grant of between €30k and €50k is offered for the renovation of a vacant building that will be used as the primary private residence. Within a 10-year window, clawback criteria are in effect.
If the property is structurally defective or unsafe, a grant of €50k–€70k may be provided for abandoned dwellings. If the property is not listed on the derelict site register, an independent report from an experienced professional is necessary.

What properties are eligible?

Properties that qualify must be;

Constructed before 2008 and

Vacant for at least two years

If a property is not listed on the derelict site register, an independent report from a competent professional declaring that the property is derelict is necessary.

How can I prove that the property is vacant?

What is accepted as Proof of vacancy ;

ESB Networks might be able to offer a letter stating that the electricity was turned off on X date or that the building has had minimal energy usage for X years.
The building has been vacant for X years, according to a letter from an estate agent on stationery with the company’s logo.
X years have passed since the former owners last resided at the property, according to a sworn solicitor’s affidavit from them.

Do I have to own the property to avail of the grant?

Supporting documentation for the grant application is needed.

If the applicant can demonstrate that there are ongoing discussions to buy a property (i.e., confirmation of engagement from the estate agent or owner of the property), the local government may approve the application in principle.

Note: No drawdown is permitted until the local government is satisfied that such ownership has been established.

What is accepted as evidence of ownership:

A title deed or other document demonstrating legal possession.
Showing proof of an active, paid building insurance policy.
Proof of Local Property Tax (LPT) payment.
A recent 12-month-dated mortgage statement.

I got approval for the grant before the increased amount that was announced July 25th, can I get the extra amount?

You may reapply for the larger amount if the approved grant amount has not yet been deducted from your account.

I purchased a vacant property before the scheme was launched on 14 July 2022, can I still apply for the grant?

You can, indeed. You will need to show that you are the property’s owner, that it has been vacant for at least two years, and that no construction has started on it. The funding can only be taken into consideration for proposed works that have been filed and authorised by the local government.

I am working on a new build where the property/site has been vacant while works are carried out. Can I qualify?

No, the grant is only available to help with the renovation of abandoned homes built before 1993 and unoccupied for two years or more. The funding is not available for new construction.

Can developers or investors who wish to refurbish a property to sell or rent apply for the grant?

Only those who want to rent the property out or live there as their primary private residence are eligible for this programme. You are only permitted to use this grant twice during your lifetime. If the property is being used as your primary private residence or if you are renting it out. The grant cannot be applied multiple times.

I already own a property which I do not intend to sell. Can I apply?

To qualify for this grant, you must be selling or have already sold your previous residence.

Who qualifies for the grant for the renovation of vacant property?

The goal of this award is home ownership. The programme is open to households or individuals who plan to utilise the home as their primary private residence.

Framework Priorities:

1. Those who fall under the “Fresh Start” principle or are first-time buyers.
2. Applicants with particular needs, such as those who are disabled or elderly and are relocating from their current residence (which they are selling or have already sold).
3. Candidates who are selling or are in the process of selling their current residence.

What areas are included for this grant?

The grant levels have increased by €20,000 as of April 25th, 2023. This incentive is currently available to eligible empty properties in cities, towns, villages, and rural areas of the country as of November 15th, 2022.

I previously applied but my application was rejected because it didn’t meet the location requirements. Can I reapply?

Yes, all applications that had previously been refused will now be taken into account. Regarding this, speak with your local government.

We have a number of properties up for sale that qualify for this grant. Please contact us if you need further details.

See here for the most recent information on this grant.

THREE lots of development land located near a third level college in the city centre are to go under the hammer.

Measuring 6.92 acres, the asking price for all three sites will begin at €1.75m with the auction to take place on Thursday, April 27.

Zoned for enterprise and employment – which generally rules out use for any kind of housing – these lands are situated just off Courtbrack Avenue near Mary Immaculate College.

As well as a job lot, bids may also be accepted for three sites individually.

Bidding on the first site, which measures one-and-a-half acres begins at €430,000.

The second site, which measures 1.28 acres will see offers accepted from €350,000.

And the largest site of the three, which measures just over four acres, has its price starting at €1.12m.

The individual sites will be removed from the bidding if a joint bid for all three is accepted at auction.

Despite the fact the land is not currently zoned for housing, a planning application has been made for the construction of two separate student accommodation blocks on a part of it.

If granted, a five-storey structure would house 156 students in 40 apartments and a two-storey unit would provide bedspaces for 40 students in eight apartments.

The original application – made at a time when the site was zoned as mixed use and therefore eligible housing – was refused by local planners in February 2022 on the basis of there being a flood risk to the site.

An appeal to An Bord Pleanála was submitted, with the national appeals body yet to make a decision.

If it approves the development, it means the student halls can go ahead, because the national planning authority has the final say on cases like these.

Youbid.ie has described the area as “one of Limericks most sought-after locations”. It points out that there is access to Dock Road, Limerick Tunnel and the main roads to Cork, Dublin and Galway.

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential and features purpose-built student accommodation, office and retail spaces, including Ashdown Shopping Centre” it adds.

Documentation and brochures are available by registering on youbid.ie or by calling 01-5676979.

A mid-terrace house overlooking the Grand Canal in Tullamore, is going under the hammer in an online auction hosted by property portal youbid.ie.

Bidding for Number 22 Clontarf Road – a two-bedroom home located in the town centre, close to the Grand Canal walkways – begins at €120,000.

Although the property is in need of refurbishment, agents expect a lot of interest from house-hunters eager to put their own stamp on their next purchase.

Downstairs, there is a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Both bedrooms are upstairs.

A low-maintenance, enclosed patio is at the front of the house, and there is a garden to the rear.

At present, tenants are living at the property and pay a monthly rent of €550.

The house is close to all local amenities, such as shops, cafes, restaurants, sporting and recreational facilities, and schools.

There is also easy access to the N52 national road and the M6 Galway/Dublin motorway.

Eighteen lots from 13 counties are listed in the April 27 auction.

All properties are listed on the youbid.ie platform.

Documentation and brochures are available by registering on youbid.ie or by calling 01-5676979. Email: info@youbid.ie for more details.

The lands in a variety of sizes and shapes are zoned for enterprise and employment use and are located next to a student village, while they can be bought individually or as one unit.

Three lots of prime development land located next to a student village in Limerick city are going under the hammer.

Measuring a total of 6.92 acres, the bidding for all three parcels in the online sale hosted by property portal youbid.ie begins at €1.75 million.

The lands, which are zoned for enterprise and employment use, are situated just off Courtbrack Avenue, South Circular Road in Limerick, in a greenfield site at the rear of Ashdown Student Village and Alandale Orchard.

The three lots vary in size and shape.

Site A is 1.56 acres, and the bidding begins at €430,000; site B is 1.28 acres, and the bidding begins at €350,000; and the largest plot, site C, is 4.08 acres, and the bidding begins at €1.12 million.

The individual sites will be removed from the bidding if a joint bid for all three is accepted.

A planning application for the construction of two separate students accommodation blocks on site A is currently being considered.

If granted, a five-storey structure would house 156 students in 40 apartments and a two-storey unit would provide bed spaces for 40 students in eight apartments.

The original application was refused by local planners in February 2022.

An appeal to an Bord Pleanála was submitted two months later, and the decision is pending.

The South Circular Road is one of Limerick’s most sought-after locations due to its close proximity to Limerick city centre and local amenities including primary and secondary schools, Mary Immaculate College and The Crescent Shopping Centre.

There is also access to the Dock Road, which connects Limerick with Cork, Dublin and Galway via the Southern Ring Road and Limerick Tunnel.

The surrounding area is predominantly residential and features purpose-built student accommodation, office and retail spaces including the Ashdown Shopping Centre.

Eight lots from five counties are featured in the April 27 auction.

All are listed on the platform. Documentation and brochures are available by registering on Youbid.ie or by calling 01-5676979. Altertnatively email: info@youbid.ie for more details.

See the full article here

Three family homes in north Wexford will go under the hammer in an online auction hosted by youbid.ie on Thursday, March 23.

Number 127 Newborough, Hollyfort Road, is a two-bedroom, end-of-terrace house located within walking distance of shops, schools and local transport. Measuring 60 sqm, the property overlooks a large green area has an enclosed rear garden. On the ground floor, there is an entrance hallway, front-facing fitted kitchen, sitting room with an solid, open fire, and a storage press. A door from the sitting room leads to the rear garden. Upstairs, there is a landing area with access to the attic and a hot-press, two double bedrooms and a bathroom. The property includes double glazing, mains water and sewage and oil-fired central heating. The opening bid is €165,000.

On the other side of town, Number 166 The Heath, Ramsgate Village is a two-bedroom terraced located at the end of a quiet cul de sac. Measuring 68 sqm, the property has an advised minimum value of €185,000. The ground floor has an entrance hall, sitting room, with a solid fuel stove, fully-fitted kitchen and a guest WC off the sitting room. Ramsgate Village is within walking distance of all local amenities, including primary and secondary schools, supermarkets, restaurants and bars, shops, churches, and hotels and leisure centres.

Seven kilometres away is Number 7 Hillview Close, Kildermot – a four-bedroom detached bungalow, measuring 113 sqm. Bidding begins at €205,000. The property is being sold with tenants in situ. A monthly rent of €550 is being paid on the tenancy, which was signed in December 2021.

Documentation and brochures are available by registering on Youbid.ie or by calling 01-5676979.

Read full article here: https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/three-family-homes-in-north-wexford-to-go-under-hammer-in-online-auction-42396109.html

Two Cork city family residences are going under the hammer next month in an online auction hosted by property portal youbid.ie.

The first is Number 1 Seminary Buildings – a charming ‘fixer-upper’ in a historic area.

Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the north Cork suburb of Blackpool, the three-bedroom, end-of-terrace home is in need of a makeover.

Bidding for the two-storey property begins at €160,000.

On the ground floor, there is a hallway, front-facing living room with open fireplace, and kitchen.

Access to an enclosed rear yard, which measures 25sqm, is from the kitchen.

The downstairs bathroom has an electric shower and has recently been redecorated and retiled.

All three bedrooms are located upstairs.

Bids are also being sought for Number 41 Congress Road, Turner’s Cross – a two-bedroom, mid-terrace property.

Located within walking distance of UCC and the city centre, agents are expecting strong interest from families looking for a challenge as they move up the housing ladder.
With an advised minimum value of €185,000, the property has an entrance hall, guest WC, open-plan living room and kitchen with a feature stove fireplace and enclosed gardens to the front and rear.

Access to the spacious, south-facing rear garden, which has ample room for an extension, is from the kitchen.

The two bedrooms, and a large family bathroom, are located upstairs.

Eight lots from five counties are featured in the March 23 auction.

All are listed on the platform. Documentation and brochures are available by registering on Youbid.ie or by calling 01-5676979.

Email: info@youbid.ie for more details.

Read full article here: https://www.thecork.ie/2023/03/17/two-cork-city-family-homes-going-to-auction/

As house prices have continued to increase nationwide, we have noticed an increase in the number of First Time Buyers and owner occupiers starting to buy houses at auction. One of our latest home buyers was a first-time buyer in Cork, who contacted us to let us know how pleased she was with the entire process. She was delighted with the end result and was kind enough to provide images of her newly renovated home. She is a first time buyer, owner occupier who bought her first ever home via Youbid.ie

I purchased my first home through Youbid during the Summer for a great price. I spent the past few months renovating the apartment and I couldn’t be happier with the end result. 

From viewing the property to handing over the keys, the entire process was made a breeze by the support and communication of the Youbid team. I couldn’t recommend purchasing through an auction more!

Take a look at these amazing before and after images below. We just love the transformation

If you are considering buying at auction, take a look at some of the benefits here

Faster process

There is no quicker way to purchase a property. From the get-go you know the timelines for carrying our due diligence, placing bids, and closing. The auction process is faster than the traditional method whereby the legal pack is available from the beginning when the property is advertised. So if you’re looking for a fast sale, auction is the way to go.

Value

In general, when buying at auction buyers do tend to get better value and often get a bargain on a property. It all depends on who is bidding for the property on the day, if you’re lucky you may be the only bidder. However, most properties sold via auction are in need for refurbishment, which provides the opportunity to add value to the property through improvements which will increase the resale value.

No Uncertainty

With auction properties, the legal pack is available from the beginning so you don’t have to worry about running into any surprises or upsets. The legal pack will normally include; title deeds, any relevant planning permission and leases for tenanted properties.

Winning Bid

Once the digital hammer lands, the property is yours. As a purchaser you don’t have to worry about the seller changing their mind, gazumping or the deal falling through.

See our Guide on Buying at Auction here and you will find our latest auction properties for sale here

A holiday home within the grounds of Banna Beach Holiday and Leisure Resort is going under the hammer with a minimum price tag of €90,000 along with four other Kerry properties at the next youbid.ie online auction.

Number 67 Banna Beach is a three-bedroom, detached cottage located close to the famous North Kerry beach, replete with a large ‘communal’ garden, a kitchen and dining area and a shower room with wash-hand basin and WC. All bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, publicity material from youbid.ie stated.

It’s also mere seconds from the central leisure hub of the resort with its hugely-popular swimming pool, outdoor playgrounds for the younger ones, a bar, restaurant and gym.

A second holiday home at No 15 Sneem Leisure Village is also up for grabs with a minimum price of €190,000. Number 15 Sneem Leisure Village is described as a ‘well-maintained, three-bedroom residence located within walking distance of the picturesque village of Sneem.’

“Measuring 95sqm, and set over two floors, there is an open-plan living and dining area with kitchen, utility, guest toilet and bedroom with ensuite on the lower level,” youbid.ie said.

“On the first floor there are two further bedrooms, one of which is en-suite and the main bathroom completes the accommodation.”

Two family homes are also open for bids.

In Listowel, Number 58 Feale Drive is a semi-detached, three-bedroom home in a cul de sac which offers huge potential to discerning buyers.

With an AMV of €190,000, the house has an entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining, rear lobby with tiled floor and rear door access, three upstairs bedrooms and a bathroom.

There is a neatly presented gravel garden and concreted area with brick built boundary wall, pillars and a wrought iron galvanised gate at the front with off-street parking.

At the rear, there is a compact concrete rear yard.

A variety of services and local amenities are within walking distance of the house.

Also in Listowel, Number 24 Cois Baile is a three-bedroom semi-detached home with an AMV of €140,000.

“Spanning 122sqm, on the ground level there is an entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining area, utility and WC with walk-in shower.

“On the first-floor, there are three bedrooms – two of which are ensuite – a family bathroom and large hot press. The property is also conveniently located close to the town centre and several local amenities including Listowel Community Hospital and Kerry College as well as shops, bars and places to eat,” youbid.ie said.

Documentation and brochures are available by registering on Youbid.ie or by calling 01-5676979. Email: info@youbid.ie for more details.

Read the full article HERE