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What Are the Retrofit Incentives for the UK?

Last Updated on 14 October 2025

There are several UK schemes that reduce the cost of heat pumps and insulation. We handle the paperwork and keep you compliant. See what you can claim below and contact us to get started.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

What you get Up to £7,500 for an air source heat pump, £7,500 for a ground or water source heat pump, or £5,000 for a biomass boiler. Applications are open now and scheduled to close 31 December 2027. GOV.UKFind a grant

Who it’s for Homeowners and small non-domestic buildings in England and Wales replacing a fossil fuel system. GOV.UK overview

Good to know Installation of energy-saving materials is at 0% VAT until 31 March 2027. This stacks with BUS. HMRC Notice 708/6

Planning rules eased England widened permitted development on 29 May 2025. Most air source heat pumps no longer need planning consent and larger units are allowed, with conditions. SI 2025/560MCS summary

Great British Insulation Scheme

What you get Single insulation measures such as loft, cavity wall, solid wall, room-in-roof, or floor insulation. Some heating controls may qualify. Runs until April 2026. OfgemHomeowners and tenants

Quality and compliance Government audits identified high non-compliance rates for solid wall insulation under ECO4 and GBIS. We use accredited designs and document ventilation and moisture risk as standard. DESNZ audit resultsNAO report

Energy Company Obligation 4

What you get Whole-house energy efficiency upgrades targeted at low-income or vulnerable households. ECO4 runs to 31 March 2026 and is delivered via energy suppliers. Ofgem overviewSupplier guidance

Who it’s for You must meet supplier eligibility. We can check this for you and manage referrals. Ofgem

0% VAT on energy-saving materials

What you get 0% VAT on the installation of energy-saving materials such as heat pumps and biomass boilers until 31 March 2027. Groundworks for ground and water source heat pumps also qualify. From 1 April 2027 the rate reverts to 5%. HMRC Notice 708/6

Local authority and social housing routes

These are not homeowner-applied schemes. We support councils, registered providers and contractors with delivery, design and QA.

Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 HUG2 closed to new bids. Delivery runs to March 2025, with final batch deadlines now passed. Check with your council for any in-flight projects. GOV.UKDelivery guidance PDF

Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.2 Grant funds must be spent by 31 March 2025. Delivery can continue to 31 March 2026 using co-funding. Salix overviewTimelines

Warm Homes Plan

The government has earmarked £13.2 billion for home upgrades across 2025/26 to 2029/30. Packages are expected to include insulation, heat pumps and solar. We will update this section as homeowner guidance lands. Spending Review 2025Parliament report

How we help

  • Confirm eligibility and the most cost-effective route
  • Provide compliant designs and performance models
  • Manage grant paperwork and evidence packs
  • Install to PAS-aligned methods with full QA
  • Commission, handover and post-install checks

Next steps

1 Tell us your property type, current heating and EPC.
2 We confirm what you can claim and issue a fixed quote.
3 We install and handle the grant claim for you.

FAQs

Can I combine BUS with 0% VAT Yes. BUS is a grant. The VAT relief is a separate tax rule that applies to the installation. HMRC

Do I need planning permission for an air source heat pump In most cases no, under the updated permitted development rights in England from 29 May 2025. Some sites still need consent such as listed buildings or flats with specific constraints. SI 2025/560

When does BUS end Voucher issuing is scheduled to close 31 December 2027. Book early to avoid cut-offs. Find a grant

Author

  • A middle-aged man with short gray hair is smiling, wearing a light checkered shirt, standing in front of a plain light-colored wall.

    I lead the Property Services team at Aspect Group Services, bringing years of experience in construction and a practical approach to delivering high-quality work. My background in project management means I keep projects running smoothly, on time and to a high standard.

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