Grants
Boiler Upgrade Scheme explained: the complete 2026 guide
Last updated 2026-08-18
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the UK government's flagship grant for helping homeowners switch from fossil-fuel heating to heat pumps. It pays £7,500 directly off the cost of an air source or ground source heat pump — no loan, no repayment, no catch.
Here's everything you need to know, updated for 2026.
Grant amounts at a glance
| Technology | Grant amount |
|---|---|
| Air source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Biomass boiler | £5,000 |
| Air-to-air heat pump | £2,500 |
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you must:
- Own the property — you can be a resident landlord, but not a social landlord or developer.
- Be in England or Wales — Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate schemes.
- Be replacing a fossil-fuel heating system — gas, oil, or LPG boiler, or direct electric heating. You can't get the grant if you're extending your property or installing heating for the first time.
- Use an MCS-certified installer — the installer must be registered with MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) and apply for the grant on your behalf.
- One grant per property — if you've already received a BUS grant for that property, you can't apply again.
What changed in 2026?
- EPC requirement removed — previously, you needed an EPC with no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations. This requirement has been dropped, making it much easier to qualify.
- Grant increased to £7,500 (from £5,000) — the increase happened in late 2023 and remains in place for 2026.
- Simplified application — the installer handles everything. You don't need to fill in any government forms yourself.
How to apply (it's simpler than you think)
- Find an MCS-certified installer — they'll assess your property, recommend a system, and give you a quote.
- Agree to the quote — the installer confirms the grant with Ofgem on your behalf.
- Installation — the installer fits your heat pump (typically 1–3 days).
- Pay the net amount — the £7,500 grant is already deducted from your invoice. You only pay what's left.
There are no forms to fill in, no waiting for a rebate, and no income limits. The grant is an entitlement for anyone who meets the property and heating system criteria.
Common questions
Can I get the grant if I'm on benefits or a low income?
Yes — the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is not income-tested. It's available to all property owners in England and Wales regardless of income. If you're on a low income, you may also be eligible for additional support through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) or local authority schemes.
Can I get the grant for a new-build property?
No — the BUS is specifically for replacing existing fossil-fuel or electric heating systems. New-build properties are not eligible.
Can I get the grant for a biomass boiler?
Yes, but biomass boilers only qualify in rural areas (off the gas grid) and the grant is £5,000, not £7,500.
Do I need to have loft or cavity wall insulation to qualify?
As of 2026, no — the EPC insulation requirement has been removed. However, good insulation will make your heat pump cheaper to run, so it's still worth considering insulation upgrades alongside your installation.
What about Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales. If you're in Scotland, look at Home Energy Scotland which offers grants and loans of up to £7,500 for heat pumps. In Northern Ireland, support is available through the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP).
Wales has a dual system: the BUS applies for most homeowners, but low-income households can access Nest, which offers up to £15,000 in energy efficiency improvements including heat pumps.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme pays £7,500 for air source and ground source heat pumps, £5,000 for biomass boilers, and £2,500 for air-to-air heat pumps.
Who is eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Property owners in England and Wales replacing a fossil-fuel or standard electric heating system with an MCS-certified installer. One grant per property.
How do I apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
You don't apply directly — your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf and the grant is deducted from your invoice. You only pay the net amount.
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