Hardware Association Ireland’s Empty Homes Campaign

Since 2022 HAI has been running a detailed campaign promoting the potential of Empty Homes in Ireland and unlocking their opportunity through rejuvenation and retrofitting options/incentives for homeowners.

Ireland today needs a fairer deal for first time buyers, more homes, more home ownership, greater population density in our towns and cities, less vacancy and dereliction and decisive reductions to our carbon emissions.

We need to reframe our thinking and optimise supply from existing properties. The value proposition for this is clear-sighted, it is a smart investment.

The proposals are explained in further detail in the full report, which can be viewed here: HAI Empty Homes Proposals 2023

Since the launch of HAI’s proposals a number of actions were taken by relevant Government Departments, including:

• Budget 2023: The Budget, announced in September 2022, saw the announcement of a number of initiatives recommended by HAI, with others still in need of attention:

Empty Homes – Grants to buy ✓
Empty Homes – Grants (for current owners) to Refurbish ?
Vacant Property Tax ✓
Vacant Property Tax – administered by Revenue ✓
Reduction of VAT on carbon-saving products X
Continuation of Help to Buy Scheme ✓
The Concrete Block Levy X
TBESS Scheme ✓
Growth & Sustainability Loan Scheme ✓
Energy Efficiency Scheme ✓

• the expansion of the Vacant Homes Grant – read HAI’s response here: https://hardwareassociation.ie/hardware-sector-welcomes-expansion-of-vacant-homes-grant/
• the launch of the Vacant Homes Action Plan – read HAI’s response here: https://hardwareassociation.ie/hardware-sector-welcomes-vacant-homes-action-plan/

Our revised Empty Homes proposals can be read here.

Empty Homes Roadshows

HAI has continued this campaign with its Empty Homes Roadshows, with a number of events taking place in locations across Ireland. The purpose of these events is to stage a collaborative discussion on building an active strategy in rejuvenating homes to bring 35,000 houses to life and bring €2 billion+ to our market over 3-4 years. 

These Roadshows took place in a number of locations nationwide:
February: Louth
May: Ballina
June: Waterford

Our Empty Homes Roadshows of 2023 concluded with a Christmas Lunch in December, which was attended by a number of HAI Members and Executive Committee members, along with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage who answered a number of questions put forward by attendees. The highlights of this event can be viewed below:

The Hardware Conference

HAI’s national Conference – The Hardware Conference – took place on the 30th of March at The Lyrath Estate Hotel, and Empty Homes was a key theme of the day. Visit www.thehardwareconference.ie for the highlights.

The Hardware Journal

In the July/August issue of The Hardware Journal, architect Hugh Wallace contributed a compelling article on the Empty Homes challenge. This article can be read here: https://thehardwarejournal.ie/2023/08/15/we-need-a-defined-national-strategy-for-empty-homes/ 

Vacant Homes

Further information about Vacant Homes and current activities are available on www.vacanthomes.ie a website that has been developed by Mayo County Council on behalf of the local government sector, as a central portal for individuals to anonymously log possible vacant properties and alert local authorities who can then follow up with the owners to see whether the house can be re-used quickly. The website will also provide some useful information for property owners as to what steps are currently needed, and how, to bring their house back into use.

Resources and Useful Links

HAI has compiled a working list of useful links and resources for more information and support on the restoring of empty homes. Click here to view.

Any queries regarding HAI’s Empty Homes campaign can be directed to Martin Markey at martin@hardwareassociation.ie.