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UK Home Improvement Grants 2026
Complete guide to government grants, subsidies and incentives for UK homeowners in 2026. From free boiler replacements to heat pump grants and solar incentives — find out what you're eligible for.
Last updated: 6 May 2026
Quick Eligibility Check
- On benefits? You may qualify for a free boiler replacement under ECO4.
- Council Tax band A–D? You may qualify for free insulation under GBIS.
- Replacing gas heating? Get up to £7,500 towards a heat pump via BUS.
- Installing solar panels? 0% VAT saves 20% + earn from exported electricity.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Up to £7,500
Eligibility: Homeowners in England and Wales replacing fossil fuel heating with a heat pump or biomass boiler. Property must have an EPC (any rating). Existing grants for the same measure disqualify you.
What it covers:
- ✓ Air source heat pumps (£7,500)
- ✓ Ground source heat pumps (£7,500)
- ✓ Biomass boilers (£5,000)
How to apply: Your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf through Ofgem. The grant is deducted from your installation cost — you do not need to pay upfront and claim back.
Note: Budget is allocated annually — apply early to avoid missing out. MCS certification is mandatory for the installer.
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)
Free or heavily subsidised
Eligibility: Low-income households, those on certain benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.), or homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. Landlords can apply for rental properties.
What it covers:
- ✓ Boiler replacements
- ✓ Central heating upgrades
- ✓ Loft insulation
- ✓ Cavity wall insulation
- ✓ Solid wall insulation
- ✓ Flat roof insulation
How to apply: Contact your energy supplier directly or use a government-approved ECO4 installer. Eligibility checks are done as part of the application.
Note: This is the main route to free boiler replacements in the UK. Check with your energy supplier first.
Great British Insulation Scheme
Free insulation
Eligibility: Homes in Council Tax bands A–D in England and Wales (A–E in Scotland). Additional eligibility if household income is under £31,000 or you receive qualifying benefits.
What it covers:
- ✓ Cavity wall insulation
- ✓ Loft insulation
- ✓ Flat roof insulation
- ✓ Solid wall insulation (in some cases)
- ✓ Room-in-roof insulation
How to apply: Apply through your energy supplier or a participating installer. A property assessment determines which measures are suitable.
Note: This scheme replaced the previous Insulation Guarantee Scheme. Most homeowners in bands A-D are eligible regardless of income.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
4–15p per kWh exported
Eligibility: Any homeowner with a solar PV installation up to 5MW capacity. Installation must be MCS-certified. Available across the UK.
What it covers:
- ✓ Payment for electricity exported to the grid from solar panels
- ✓ Also applies to wind, hydro, micro-CHP and anaerobic digestion
How to apply: Register with a participating energy supplier (Octopus, British Gas, EDF, etc.) after your MCS-certified installation is complete. Rates vary by supplier — compare before signing up.
Note: SEG rates vary significantly between suppliers (4p to 15p). Octopus Energy and British Gas tend to offer the best rates. Pair with a battery for maximum savings.
0% VAT on Energy-Saving Measures
0% VAT (saving 20%)
Eligibility: All UK homeowners and landlords installing qualifying energy-saving measures. No income or property restrictions.
What it covers:
- ✓ Solar panels
- ✓ Battery storage
- ✓ Heat pumps
- ✓ Insulation (all types)
- ✓ Heat pump and biomass boiler installations
- ✓ Draught stripping
- ✓ Heating controls
How to apply: Automatically applied by your installer. You do not need to apply — your installer simply charges 0% VAT instead of 20%.
Note: This saves 20% on installation costs. Check your quote includes 0% VAT — if it shows 20%, ask your installer to correct it.
OZEV Grant (EV Chargepoint)
Up to £350
Eligibility: Renters (with landlord permission) and people living in flats or apartments. Homeowners of detached/semi-detached/terraced houses are no longer eligible (ended March 2024).
What it covers:
- ✓ Home EV chargepoint installation
How to apply: Applied for by your OZEV-approved installer. The grant is deducted from your installation cost.
Note: The grant for homeowners ended in 2024, but remains available for renters and flat-dwellers. Installation by an OZEV-approved installer is required.
Grants FAQ
What government grants are available for home improvements in 2026?
The main UK grants in 2026 are: Boiler Upgrade Scheme (up to £7,500 for heat pumps), ECO4 (free boiler replacements for eligible households), Great British Insulation Scheme (free insulation), Smart Export Guarantee (payment for solar electricity), and 0% VAT on energy-saving installations.
Can I get a free boiler from the government in 2026?
Yes — through the ECO4 scheme, eligible low-income households can get a free boiler replacement. You typically need to receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, etc.) or have a property with EPC rating D or below. Contact your energy supplier to check eligibility.
How much is the heat pump grant in 2026?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides up to £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump, and £5,000 for biomass boilers. Your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf — the grant is deducted from your bill.
Do I qualify for free insulation?
Under the Great British Insulation Scheme, homes in Council Tax bands A–D may qualify for free cavity wall or loft insulation. Additional eligibility if household income is under £31,000 or you receive qualifying benefits. Contact your energy supplier to check.
Is there a grant for solar panels in 2026?
There is no upfront grant for solar panels, but you benefit from: 0% VAT (saving 20%), Smart Export Guarantee payments (4-15p per kWh exported), and the panels pay for themselves in 7-12 years. MCS-certified installation is required for SEG eligibility.
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