Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility: who qualifies for the heat pump grant?

Which properties qualify?

Existing homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales qualify; new builds don't, unless they're a qualifying self-build. A self-build qualifies if it was:

• built mainly using the first owner's own labour or resources
• never owned by a business or organisation
• not part of an excluded property development

Do you have to own the property?

Yes. The grant is for property owners, so owner-occupiers and owners of privately rented homes can apply through an installer, but tenants can't apply themselves.

If you rent privately, your landlord would need to arrange it.

What heating system must you be replacing?

You must be replacing an existing fossil fuel or electric heating system, such as a gas, oil or LPG boiler, or electric storage or panel heaters.

You can't use the grant to replace an existing heat pump or biomass boiler.

What are the rules for the heat pump itself?

The heat pump must be fitted and commissioned by an MCS-certified installer and sized to meet your property's full space heating needs.

• It must be capable of meeting the full space heating and hot water requirements.
• It must not have been commissioned more than 120 days before the application is made.
• It must meet minimum efficiency standards (your installer checks these).
• Hybrid systems that pair a heat pump with a fossil fuel boiler are not eligible.

Who can't get the grant?

Social housing, new builds, properties already funded for a heat pump, and homes in Scotland or Northern Ireland can't get the grant.

• Social housing, including shared ownership and housing provided below market value, because the scheme is for private owners.
• New builds, except qualifying self-builds, because developers are expected to fit low-carbon heating.
• Properties already funded through government or Energy Company Obligation funding for the heat pump or biomass boiler, to avoid double funding.
• Air-to-air heat pumps in non-residential buildings, because the air-to-air grant is for homes only.
• Scotland (see Home Energy Scotland) and Northern Ireland (its Boiler Replacement Scheme has closed), because the scheme covers England and Wales only.

Do you need an EPC or insulation first?

No. You don't need an Energy Performance Certificate to apply and insulation isn't a condition of the grant.

Ofgem still recommends improving insulation where it's practical and affordable, because heat pumps perform best in well-insulated homes and running costs fall. Ask your installer what, if anything, would help your property.

Can landlords, second-home owners and businesses apply?

Yes, as long as they own the property and it isn't social housing. Note that the £2,500 air-to-air grant is for residential properties only.