Grants to homeowners

What grants are available to you as a homeowner? Are you aware that grants are available dependant upon the type and age of property and /or the financial situation of the homeowner? Lets have a look at the options.

Home renovation grants

This grant is similar to what was known as an improvement grant. You are entitled to a this grant if you own your own home, have lived in it for three years or need essential work done to your home, but cannot meet the financial costs. The grant is "means tested" and must be for essential works, and cannot be for a second home.

For more information or to apply for a home renovation grant go to Direct Gov.

Home repair assistance grants

This grant is available to owners in receipt of income related benefits or anyone over 60, disabled, or infirm. Like the home renovation grant, this grant is also means tested. Your financial situation is then taken into account in assessing whether to make a grant or how much grant to give. On the basis of the means test, the local authority may not give you the total cost of repair, but a proportion only of the total sum. For more information and an application form contact your local authority who should provide you with free literature and advice.

For more information or to apply for a home repair assistance grant go to House Advice NI.

Grants on listed buildings

If you live in a listed building or are thinking of purchasing one, you should make yourself aware of what grants are available and when. Before commencing any essential work or repairs find out what your entitlements are.

Grants are available to assist with the cost of maintaining listed buildings from both your local authority and from English Heritage. Contact English Heritage to establish what assistance is available on 020 7973 3000.

Grants to owners of listed buildings are to help specifically with the cost of essential structural repairs and repairs which help retain the architectural interest of the property.

If you intend to undertake work on a listed building you should also contact The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings on 020 7377 1644. The SPAB will provide you with advice on work on historic buildings and will be aware of the types of work, which will justify a grant. They can also provide names of architects, surveyors and builders who specialise or have experience of working on ancient and historic buildings.

If you are considering purchasing a listed building you should be aware that the listing will probably cover out-buildings and boundary walls. So make sure you double check everything before you make any decisions as it is a criminal offence to demolish or despoil any part of a listed building without prior consent.