Conservation Advice Grant Scheme 2025

The National Built Heritage Service is inviting applications for its Conservation Advice Grant Scheme from owners of vacant traditional houses who are considering bringing those houses back into use as new homes.

The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme, now in its second year, is designed to support owners availing of or considering availing of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme, part of the Historic Structures Fund, will cover up to 67% of the cost (subject to a maximum grant of €5,000) of having an appropriately qualified and competent conservation professional with experience in traditional buildings visit a vacant traditional house, conduct a survey and compile bespoke conservation advice.  This will include a report outlining the condition of the vacant traditional house, identifying the repairs necessary to bring it back into use and suggesting measures to improve its energy efficiency which respect its character and special interest.

By partially offsetting the cost of engaging expert conservation advice at an early stage, the Conservation Advice Grant Scheme will help owners avoid the risk of damaging their traditional house, obtain the services of appropriately skilled tradespeople, and ensure value for money in the completion of their projects.

Qualifying Traditional Houses

Stream 1 is open to owners of vacant traditional houses in cities, towns and villages where the property is a Protected Structure and/or an historic structure within an Architectural Conservation Area.

Residential houses and properties previously used for commercial purposes also qualify for the scheme where the intended use is as a single dwelling or a single dwelling over a shop.  The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme has been designed to support the Town Centre First and Housing for All policy programmes.

Stream 2 is open to owners of vacant traditional farmhouses where the property is a Protected Structure and/or an historic farmhouse located within an Architectural Conservation Area and/or a vernacular farmhouse which has no statutory protection.  Vernacular farmhouses are modest farmhouses constructed by people without formal training following long established patterns and using local materials such as earth, slate, stone, thatch and wattle.

Properties must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.

The deadline for applications for the Conservation Advice Grant Scheme is Friday 2^nd May 2025.

Conservation Advice Grant Scheme 2025 Stream 1 Guidance Booklet for Applicants

Conservation Advice Grant Scheme 2025 Stream 1 Conservation Advice Report Template

Conservation Advice Grant Scheme 2025 Stream 2 Guidance Booklet for Applicants

Conservation Advice Grant Scheme 2025 Stream 2 Conservation Advice Report Template

Conservation Advice Grant Scheme 2025 Application Form

Conservation Advice Grant Scheme 2025 Privacy Statement

For queries not covered by guidance booklets email conservationadvicegrants@housing.gov.ie