Reykjavík City Housing Protection Fund

The building preservation fund provides grants for renovations or repairs to structures with special artistic or cultural significance. Grants are advertised once a year. Work must align with the original architectural style and heritage preservation principles.

Apply for a building preservation fund grant Announcement 2024

Who can apply to the building preservation fund?

Anyone can apply for grants for properties or structures with special preservation value.

What are the conditions for the grant?

Various conditions must be met for a project to receive funding from the building preservation fund: Examples:

  • The structure must have special artistic or cultural significance
  • Work must align with the original architectural style and heritage preservation principles
  • The project must not be considered regular maintenance, such as repainting

Is my house protected?

All buildings 100 years or older are protected under the Cultural Heritage Act No. 80/2012. The Minister of Education and Culture can designate protected status to buildings regardless of age. Information on protected buildings and a list of those in Reykjavík is available on the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland website.

More on the Cultural Heritage Agency website

How to apply for a grant?

  • Application submitted. Apply through My Pages. Late applications are not eligible.
  • Documents reviewed. Officers appointed by the Department of Environment & Planning review documents and recommend grant recipients.
  • Application processed. The Planning & Transport Council processes grant applications and City Council confirms
  • Response sent. The Department of Environment & Planning sends written responses to all successful applicants with information on next steps.
  • Grant paid. Grants are not paid until the funded work has begun.

Comments and suggestions regarding application processing can be sent to the Reykjavík Department of Environment & Planning, Borgartún 12-14, 105 Reykjavík, phone 411 1111. Email: skipulag@reykjavik.is.

Applicants denied grants may submit comments to the Reykjavík Environment & Planning Council.

What documentation must accompany the application?

Information on the necessary accompanying documents can be found in the application. Required information:

  • Description of planned work.
  • Timeline and cost estimate for planned work.
  • 1-5 photos showing the current appearance of the building and additional images if needed.
  • Building plans or additional documents may be requested if necessary.

Building plans are available on the Blueprint Archive and from the Reykjavík City Service Center by emailing info@reykjavik.is. If unavailable, old photographs can be used as reference. Old photographs are available from the Museum of Photography or National Museum.