Revenue publishes vacancy rates

The data was gathered on June 20.

Over 680 residential homes in Cavan are lying vacant according to a new report.

Revenue has published the Local Property Tax statistical update, detailing vacancy rates across the country.

Using data garnered from the local property tax, the report shows 57,206 homes across the country are listed as vacant.

Locally, 4.6 %, or 686, of Cavan’s residential properties are listed as vacant. That figure correlates closely with data from the preliminary census results released almost two weeks ago.

That figure relates to 1.2% of the county’s LPT liability.

Cavan’s is one of the highest vacancy rates in the region, with only Leitrim (6.3%) having a higher figure. Monaghan (2.9%), Meath (1.8%), Longford (3.6%) and Westmeath (2.7%) all have lower rates.

Looking at the reason for vacancy at the time of the report, 15.1% of Cavan’s properties were listed as holiday home. 28.2% were undergoing refurbishment and 8.1% were for sale.

Probate application, long term care, between lettings, owner absent, legal dispute and other were all listed as reasons for vacancy locally.

Minister for Finance Pascal Donohoe has welcomed the report. Speaking this afternoon he said he to introduce a tax on these vacant homes in order to maximise the use of existing homes.