What grants and funding can I get?

A quick map of the major UK schemes for energy-efficient home improvements in 2026.

The UK grant landscape changes every year. Here is the 2026 state of play. Always confirm eligibility on the official scheme website before committing.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

Up to £7,500 off an air-source or ground-source heat pump.
Available across England and Wales.
The installer applies on your behalf. You must use an MCS-certified installer.
Open to homeowners and small landlords; not for new builds.

ECO4

For lower-income households, or those on means-tested benefits.
Covers insulation (loft, wall, floor), heating upgrades, sometimes solar.
Delivered by the major energy companies. Apply via your energy supplier or via a participating Local Authority Flexible Eligibility scheme.

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

For homes in EPC bands D-G in lower council tax bands (A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales).
Covers a single primary insulation measure.
Apply via the GOV.UK signposting tool.

Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)

For low-income households off the gas grid (heating with oil/LPG/electric).
Covers wider works: insulation + low-carbon heating.
Delivered through Local Authorities.

VAT relief

0% VAT on most energy-saving installations (heat pumps, insulation, solar, batteries) until 31 March 2027 as a stand-alone benefit (no need for it to be part of a grant scheme). Your installer should apply the zero rate automatically.

Local schemes

Most councils run additional discretionary schemes (London Boroughs especially active). Search "[your council name] energy grants" or use the Grant Finder in Retrofit mode.

Caution

Avoid cold callers offering "free insulation" or "free solar". Real grants do not need cold-callers, and these are often poor-quality installs that void grant eligibility for a decade.
Read the scheme terms carefully. Some grants require you to live in the property for 5+ years after install.