Heat pump grants UK 2026 include up to £9,000 for eligible off-gas homes. Here is what Kent homeowners need to know about the BUS.
Installing a heat pump can involve a significant upfront cost. However, the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme can reduce the amount homeowners need to pay when replacing certain existing heating systems.
The scheme has changed during 2026, including new grant levels for some properties that are not connected to the mains gas grid. If you live in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks or elsewhere in Kent, it is worth understanding the current rules before deciding how to upgrade your heating.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, usually shortened to BUS, is a government scheme for properties in England and Wales. It provides an upfront grant towards the cost of installing eligible low-carbon heating systems.
Unlike a cashback scheme, homeowners do not normally apply directly for the money themselves. The scheme is installer-led. An installer certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, known as MCS, applies for the grant on behalf of the property owner.
You can read the current government guidance here:
GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance
How much are heat pump grants in the UK in 2026?
For applications under the current Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the standard grant amounts include:
- £7,500 towards an eligible air-to-water heat pump
- £7,500 towards an eligible ground-source heat pump
- £2,500 towards an eligible air-to-air heat pump
- £5,000 towards an eligible biomass boiler
From 21 July 2026, some qualifying properties that are not connected to the mains gas grid can receive a higher grant.
When can the heat pump grant increase to £9,000?
An eligible off-gas-grid property replacing an oil or LPG heating system with an air-to-water or ground-source heat pump may qualify for a £9,000 grant.
This is particularly relevant to rural properties around Kent, Sussex and Surrey where mains gas is not available and homes rely on heating oil or LPG.
The additional support is currently available until March 2027, subject to the property and installation meeting the scheme rules.
Official grant values can be checked on the government website:
GOV.UK – what you can get through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Who can qualify for heat pump grants UK 2026?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available for many residential and some non-residential properties in England and Wales. However, eligibility depends on the property, the heating system being replaced and the technology being installed.
For most retrofit installations, the new system needs to replace an existing fossil-fuel or electric heating system.
Examples could include replacing:
- A mains gas boiler
- An oil boiler
- An LPG boiler
- Direct electric heating
- Certain other fossil-fuel heating systems
An installer must confirm that your proposed installation meets the detailed Boiler Upgrade Scheme requirements.
Do you need an EPC to apply?
If your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate, the EPC number normally needs to be provided as part of the application.
Changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme have made the process more flexible than earlier versions of the scheme. If a property does not have a valid EPC, an installer may be able to provide alternative evidence to demonstrate eligibility.
This means homeowners should not assume they are automatically excluded simply because their EPC has expired.
Do you still need loft or cavity wall insulation first?
Earlier versions of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme included stricter requirements relating to outstanding loft and cavity wall insulation recommendations on an EPC.
Those requirements have changed. Homeowners should therefore use current guidance rather than relying on older articles about heat pump grants.
However, insulation remains important when considering a heat pump. A well-insulated property generally loses heat more slowly, which can make a low-temperature heating system more effective and economical to operate.
Are new-build homes eligible?
Most new-build properties are not eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme because low-carbon heating should normally form part of the original construction.
There is an exception for some eligible self-build properties. Ofgem states that a qualifying self-build must meet specific conditions, including requirements concerning ownership and how the property was constructed.
If you are building your own home, check the current rules before assuming that a grant is available.
Can landlords claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Private landlords may be able to use the scheme for eligible properties. Both residential and qualifying non-residential properties can fall within the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
However, social housing is generally excluded.
Landlords considering a heating upgrade should have the property and existing heating system assessed before choosing a replacement system.
Can you get a grant for a hybrid heat pump?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not currently provide a grant for a hybrid system that combines a heat pump with a fossil-fuel boiler.
This is important because hybrid systems are sometimes promoted as a way to retain an existing boiler while adding a heat pump. Although they may suit particular properties, they do not currently qualify for a BUS grant.
Do heat pumps work in older homes?
Yes, a heat pump can work successfully in many older properties. However, the system needs to be designed around the building rather than simply replacing a boiler with a similarly sized unit.
An assessment may consider:
- The property’s heat loss
- Insulation levels
- Radiator sizes
- Existing pipework
- Hot-water requirements
- Available outdoor space
- The electrical supply
Some homes may need larger radiators or other improvements to achieve good performance at lower flow temperatures.
Air-source or ground-source heat pump?
Air-source heat pumps take heat from the outside air. They are generally easier to install because they do not require extensive groundworks.
Ground-source heat pumps extract heat from the ground through buried pipework or boreholes. They can provide consistent performance but normally require more land, installation work and upfront investment.
Ability has previously looked at the differences between air-source and ground-source heat pumps as part of its advice on improving household energy efficiency.
Read Ability’s guide to energy efficiency at home
How does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application work?
The application process is largely handled by the installer.
In general, the process involves:
- Having your property and heating requirements assessed
- Choosing an appropriate low-carbon heating system
- Using an MCS-certified installer
- The installer applying to Ofgem for the BUS voucher
- The property owner confirming consent and completing the required identity checks
- The installer completing the eligible installation
- The grant being deducted from the amount you pay
The installer is responsible for checking the detailed eligibility requirements and submitting the necessary evidence.
Ofgem provides current guidance specifically for property owners:
Ofgem Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance for property owners
Does a £7,500 grant mean a heat pump costs £7,500 less?
Yes, where an eligible installation qualifies for a £7,500 BUS voucher, that amount contributes towards the cost of the installation. However, the total project cost varies considerably from one property to another.
Factors affecting the price can include:
- The type and size of heat pump
- Changes to radiators
- Hot-water cylinder requirements
- Alterations to existing pipework
- Electrical work
- Groundworks for ground-source systems
- Controls and associated equipment
For this reason, homeowners should compare the total cost of the proposed heating system rather than considering the grant amount on its own.
What if your home currently uses an LPG or oil boiler?
The 2026 changes are particularly important for homes that rely on oil or LPG.
If an eligible property has no mains gas connection and is replacing oil or LPG heating with a qualifying air-to-water or ground-source heat pump, the available support can rise to £9,000.
This makes it worthwhile for rural homeowners to compare several options before automatically replacing an ageing oil or LPG boiler with another fossil-fuel system.
That does not mean a heat pump will be the right choice for every property. The condition of the building, heat loss, available space, existing heating system and household requirements all need to be considered.
What if you want to keep a gas or LPG boiler?
There is currently no requirement for an existing homeowner to remove a working gas boiler simply because heat pump grants are available.
For some properties, replacing an old boiler with a modern boiler may still be an appropriate option.
Ability provides gas and LPG boiler installation as well as advice on heating system upgrades:
Gas and LPG boiler installation from Ability
Why homeowners should check current grant information
Government energy schemes change regularly. Grant values, qualifying technologies and eligibility conditions can all be amended.
This is especially important in 2026 because the Boiler Upgrade Scheme changed during the year, including the introduction of the higher £9,000 support for certain off-gas-grid properties.
If you have read older articles mentioning only a £5,000 or £7,500 heat pump grant, check the current government guidance before making a decision.
Heat pump grants in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks
Homeowners across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and the wider Kent area may benefit from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if their property and proposed installation meet the criteria.
The right heating solution will depend on much more than the grant itself. A proper assessment should consider the building, existing system, household heating demand and long-term running requirements.
Ability can discuss your existing heating system and the options available when you are considering an upgrade.
Contact Ability to discuss your heating requirements
Frequently asked questions about heat pump grants UK 2026
How much is the heat pump grant in 2026?
The standard Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is £7,500 for eligible air-to-water and ground-source heat pumps. Eligible off-gas properties replacing oil or LPG heating can currently qualify for £9,000.
Is the £9,000 heat pump grant available to everyone?
No. The higher grant applies only to qualifying off-gas-grid properties and specified heating replacements. An MCS-certified installer must confirm eligibility.
Can I get a grant for an air-to-air heat pump?
Yes. Air-to-air heat pumps were added to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with a grant of £2,500 for eligible installations.
Can I get a heat pump grant if I have a gas boiler?
An eligible property replacing a mains gas heating system with a qualifying heat pump may receive the standard Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. The higher £9,000 rate is aimed at specific off-gas-grid properties.
Do I apply for the grant myself?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is installer-led. An MCS-certified installer normally submits the application and voucher claim on the property owner’s behalf.
When does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme end?
The scheme is currently funded beyond 2026. However, grant levels and individual scheme rules can change, so homeowners should always check GOV.UK or Ofgem before committing to an installation.
Considering your heating options?
Heat pump grants UK 2026 can significantly reduce the upfront cost of eligible low-carbon heating installations. The current scheme provides particularly strong support for some properties using oil or LPG.
However, a grant should be only one part of the decision. The heating system must also be suitable for the property, correctly designed and practical to operate over the long term.
If you are considering replacing or upgrading your heating system in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks or surrounding areas, contact Ability to discuss the options for your property.
