Grant rules checked against Ofgem on 15 October 2026
The £9,000 heat pump grant for off-gas-grid homes
Published and last updated 15 October 2026
Eligible off-gas-grid homes in England and Wales can get £9,000 off an air-to-water or ground source heat pump, £1,500 more than the standard £7,500 grant. The higher rate runs from 21 July 2026 until 31 March 2027 and is aimed at homes with no mains gas connection that heat with oil or LPG.
Who can get £9,000 instead of £7,500?
Homes without a mains gas connection that currently heat with oil or LPG and install an air-to-water or ground source heat pump. Your MCS installer confirms eligibility. If you have mains gas, you still qualify for the standard £7,500.
Which heat pumps qualify for the higher rate?
Air-to-water air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps qualify; air-to-air heat pumps stay at £2,500.
Why does the deadline matter?
The £9,000 rate is only available until 31 March 2027, and installers have up to 3 months after approval to fit the system, so starting early protects the higher grant. The 0% VAT on installation runs to the same date.
Which parts of the North West are most likely to be off the gas grid?
Rural villages and farmsteads are the most likely to have no mains gas, particularly in Cumbria, the Lancashire fells and the Forest of Bowland, the Ribble Valley and rural Cheshire. The simplest check is whether you have a gas meter; if you're unsure, ask your local gas network.
Lancaster, Burnley and Carlisle
What would you pay with the £9,000 grant?
You pay your installer's quote minus £9,000.
| Example quote | You pay after £9,000 |
|---|---|
| £11,000 | £2,000 |
| £13,000 | £4,000 |
How much an air source heat pump costs
Is a heat pump a good replacement for an oil boiler?
For many oil and LPG homes it is, because the grant covers more of the cost and you stop buying fuel deliveries, but the result depends on your home's heat loss and radiators. Is my home suitable?
Frequently asked questions
I have an oil boiler but there's a gas main in my street. Do I get £9,000?
The higher rate is for eligible off-gas-grid properties; your installer will confirm.
Does the £9,000 rate apply to biomass?
No, biomass stays at £5,000.
What if my application is in before 31 March 2027 but installed after?
Ask your installer how the timing affects your grant before you commit.
Is it means-tested?
No.