Retrofitting is an opportunity not to be missed when transforming your home
At Liberty Blue Estate Agents we have noticed a trend change when it comes to buyers looking for their first home. Previously most buyers wanted a home that was pretty much turn-key.
However, in the past year, there has been a stronger demand from buyers looking for a home which can offer them a project. The result is that older townhouses which had been left aside and looking sad are being bought by buyers who see their potential. These buyers want to invest the time and energy into a redesign and retrofit.
These buyers are availing of some great supports and grants to help them transform their homes into a cosy comfortable home.
Retrofitting can greatly improve the quality of life and health of people in their homes. Plus, it will improve the value of a property. A central part of the Governments Climate Action plan involves upgrading home insulation because Irish homes are responsible for 25% of overall energy use and 10% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Did you know you can get a grant for retrofitting your property?
The Better Energy Homes scheme is a great incentive for homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their property. This scheme is also open to Landlords and owners of more than one property. The Better Energy Homes scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
You can get a grant or the following energy-saving and renewable solutions:
- Attic insulation
- Wall insulation – including cavity wall, internal dry lining and external insulation
- Heating controls upgrade
- Solar thermal solutions
- Heat pump systems
- Note – A Building Energy Rating (BER) after the energy-saving work is carried out (you must get this BER to qualify for the grant)
How to qualify for the grant
Before you buy materials or start any grant-funded work, you must qualify first through the application process. Beware, if you have already started work, you will not be eligible for a grant. Once you are approved, you have 6 months to get the works completed and claim the grant.
To qualify you must
- Be the owner of a dwelling built before 2006 for insulation and heating control systems
- Be the owner of a dwelling built before 2011 for heat pump and solar thermal grants
- Use a contractor from SEAI’s registered list
- Use newly fitted materials and products
- Have work done that complies with the required standards
- Have a BER carried out after the works are done
- Use a BER assessor from SEAI’s National Register
- The following table shows the maximum levels of grant and the bonuses payable for extra measures.
For more information on grants aviavlable for retrofitting check out https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/
Still want more property news and advice? then check out our other property posts here.