Is a Heat Pump Grant Still Available in 2026? (UK)
Yes — the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is still open in 2026, and the government extended its budget to £1.5bn running through 2028. The grant covers air-source heat pumps (£7,500), ground-source heat pumps (£7,500) and biomass boilers in rural areas (£5,000). Scotland uses Home Energy Scotland (up to £7,500 grant + £7,500 interest-free loan); Wales uses Nest. Here is exactly what qualifies, the documents you need, average installer-to-payment timelines, and the three common reasons applications get refused.
Planning the work? Check what it usually costs, or work out your own estimate. The free quote form is at the top of this page.
Who qualifies in 2026?
1. Property type
Owner-occupied or private rented homes in England and Wales. Social housing and new-build are excluded. The property must have a valid EPC less than 10 years old with no outstanding loft or cavity-wall insulation recommendations (or those must be exempt).
2. Heat pump type and capacity
Air-source up to 45kW or ground/water-source up to 45kW. Must be installed by an MCS-certified installer using MCS-listed equipment. Hybrid systems are not eligible from April 2025 onward.
3. Grant amount
- £7,500 — air-source heat pump (raised from £5,000 in October 2023)
- £7,500 — ground-source or water-source heat pump
- £5,000 — biomass boiler (rural, off-gas only)
Application steps
- Get a quote from an MCS-certified installer (typically £8,000–£14,000 net after grant for an air-source system in a 3-bed semi).
- The installer applies for the grant on your behalf via the Ofgem portal.
- Ofgem issues a voucher (valid 3 months for ASHP, 6 months for GSHP).
- Installation goes ahead; the £7,500 is deducted directly from your invoice.
Scotland and Wales alternatives
Scotland: Home Energy Scotland Grant + Loan offers up to £7,500 grant plus £7,500 interest-free loan (rural uplifts +£1,500). Wales: Nest scheme offers fully-funded heat pumps for low-income households on benefits. Northern Ireland currently has no equivalent national scheme.
FAQs
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