The Government has unveiled a significant expansion of the Buy and Renew Scheme to convert more long‑term vacant and derelict properties into high‑quality social homes across the country.

For the first time, building contractors will be able to directly acquire and renovate eligible properties. Before any works commence, they must have an agreement in place with a local authority or an Approved Housing Body (AHB) to purchase the homes on completion. Until now, only local authorities and AHBs could deliver homes under the scheme.

Over 960 disused homes have already been returned to use through Buy and Renew. With the new contractor‑led pathway, the Government expects delivery to accelerate, tackling dereliction while increasing the supply of social homes nationwide.

The eligibility rules are also being tightened so properties must be both vacant and derelict, targeting the hardest‑to‑restore buildings that are less likely to be taken on by private owners through measures such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

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Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: "I've repeatedly said that allowing buildings to lie idle when homes are needed is not acceptable. Bringing long term derelict buildings back into productive use is one of the most effective ways of increasing supply as well as revitalising communities in our towns and cities.

"Expanding and building on the success of the of the Buy and Renew Scheme will allow us to tackle some of the most challenging properties, increase the supply of high‑quality social homes, and support local builders and tradespeople in the process.

"This approach will help ensure that no building with potential is left idle and that more families can access secure, sustainable homes. Additionally, by tackling the scourge of dereliction, this scheme helps to regenerate town centres."

Established in 2016, the scheme enables local authorities and AHBs to purchase or acquire long‑term vacant or derelict properties, refurbish them to required standards and make them available as social housing. The expansion keeps this core purpose while adding a contractor‑led route that offers certainty of an end purchaser and creates new opportunities for local builders, tradespeople and small contractors.

A forthcoming Derelict Property Tax, due to be introduced in 2027, is expected to help generate a steady pipeline of suitable properties for renewal under this and other Government initiatives.

Under the Housing Action Plan 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities', local authorities will intensify anti‑dereliction efforts by expanding Derelict Sites Registers, strengthening enforcement and advancing compulsory acquisitions where owners do not engage. A national aggregated Derelict Sites Register, including mapping and standardised information, will be published annually.