What is a home improvement grant?
A home improvement grant provides support to homeowners and renters, funded either by the government or energy suppliers, to make homes more energy efficient. These green home grants cover insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy options, helping to reduce energy bills and cut down on carbon emissions.
In the UK, these grants are a part of the government's strategy to achieve a net zero emissions target by 20501.
It’s important to know, while some grants are designed specifically for low-income households or those receiving certain benefits, others are not means-tested—meaning you may qualify regardless of income.
Here’s a guide to the most popular green home schemes, who qualifies, and how you can apply.
1. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)6, launched in April 2022, provides grants to encourage property owners in England and Wales to replace their old, inefficient gas boilers with low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps.The grant offers:
● £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
● £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump(including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops)
● £5,000 towards a biomass boiler
Eligibility:
● Available to property owners, including landlords, with existing fossil fuel heating systems (such as oil, gas, electric or LPG).
● The property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and meet certain insulation standards for heat pump installations, which a certified installer can check for you. An EPC is valid for 10 years.
Check out our Green Home Plan tool to see if this upgrade is suitable for your home and estimate costs after the grant.
How to apply:
Approved installers handle most of the application process for you. Find one near you here.
2. Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO)4 scheme is a government program that places legal obligations on large energy companies to provide energy efficiency measures for homes. Now in its fourth phase, known as ECO4, this scheme primarily focuses on low-income households or those considered vulnerable.
Under ECO4, energy suppliers provide funding for various energy-efficient improvements, such as:
● Loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation
● Heating system upgrades
● Renewable energy solutions, including solar panels
Eligibility:
● Households receiving certain benefits, such asUniversal Credit or Pension Guarantee Credit, typically qualify.
● Both homeowners and private renters can apply, though renters need landlord approval.
● If you have an NHS diagnosed medical condition(i.e. arthritis, diabetes, asthma etc), refer to your local authority who maybe able to help you get approved for this under the flex scheme.
How to apply:
Contact your local council to find out if they’re taking part in the scheme or contact your energy supplier directly. If eligible, they’ll be able to put you in touch with an installer to assess your home and guide you through the application process.
3. Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme5 is designed to help vulnerable households reduce their heating bills during the winter. The scheme provides eligible households with a one-off discount of £150 on their electricity bill. While not a grant for home upgrades per se, the scheme can help reduce your financial burden during the colder months.
Eligibility:
● Core Group: Pension Credit Guarantee recipients
● Broader Group: Low-income households meeting energy supplier criteria
How to apply:
Eligible households often receive the discount automatically. If not, you can apply through your energy supplier, between October and March.
4. Great British Insulation Scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme2 is designed to help residents improve their home’s insulation, targeting those in council tax bands A to D or households receiving specific benefits.
Eligibility:
● Council Tax Bands: Homeowners in tax bands A to D qualify, making the scheme widely accessible, as around 81%3 of UK homes fall within these bands.
Eligible insulation types include:
● Cavity wall insulation
● Solid wall insulation (internal and external)
● Loftinsulation
● Roof insulation (flat and pitched)
● Underfloor and solid floor insulation
● Room-in-roof insulation
How to apply:
Contact your energy supplier first, as they have specific targets under this scheme. They can verify your eligibility, guide you through the application, and connect you with a qualified installer.
How to apply for UK home improvement grants
Applying for home improvement grants in the UK typically involves a few key steps:
- Check eligibility: Determine which schemes you qualify for by checking the specific eligibility criteria, such as income thresholds, benefits received, or property types.
- Find a registered installer: For schemes like the ECO or Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you will need to work with a registered installer who can provide a quote and help apply for funding on your behalf. Visit Trustmark to find an approved tradesperson near you.
- Apply through official channels: Applications are usually submitted through official government websites, local authorities, or directly via energy suppliers. Ensure you provide all necessary documentation to support your application.
- Wait for approval: Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified if you qualify for funding.
Not sure which upgrades would benefit your home? Use our Green Home Plan tool to get recommendations tailored to your home and household.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of upgrading my home’s energy efficiency?
Energy-efficient upgrades can reduce your utility bills, improve your home’s comfort, and increase property value. You’ll also contribute to the UK’s environmental goals.
Who qualifies for these home improvement grants?
Eligibility varies by scheme, with factors including income level, property tax band, and whether you receive certain benefits.
Can renters apply for these grants?
Yes, but renters typically need landlord permission. The ECO and Warm Home Discount schemes accept applications from private renters.
How long do applications take to process?
Processing times vary but typically take a few weeks. It’s advisable to apply as soon as you confirm eligibility to avoid delays.
Conclusion
Take advantage of the UK’s home upgrade grants to make your home more energy-efficient, save on energy bills, and support national environmental goals. Check eligibility and consult with your local authority or energy supplier to explore the latest funding opportunities.
For personalised insights, start with our Green Home Plan tool to see how home upgrades could benefit you today.
2 GOV UK https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme
3 BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-60289396
4 GOV UK https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation
5 GOV UK https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
6 GOV UK https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme/what-you-can-get
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