Cavan has fourth highest vacancy rate

Cavan has the fourth highest number of submissions filed under the newly introduced and self-assessed vacant homes tax (VHT).

The Department of Finance figures, valid as of the start of last month, saw 2,729 people from Cavan file returns for properties occupied as a dwelling for less than 30 days in a single chargeable period.

The VHT, as announced in Budget 2023, aims to increase the supply of homes for rent or purchase to meet demand.

Legislative provision for the tax was made in the Finance Act 2022.

VHT does not apply to derelict or uninhabitable properties. Where a property is uninhabitable, to such an extent that it is not suitable for occupation, it is outside the scope of VHT and is not taxable.

Of the 2,729 Cavan filings, 156 houses were listed as vacant and 46 considered exempt.