Energy grants
£9,000 Heat Pump Grant: Who Qualifies?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers most households £7,500 towards an eligible heat pump. But if your home is off the gas grid and currently heated by oil, LPG or another fossil fuel, you may be eligible for a larger £9,000 grant. Here is how the two amounts compare and what you need to qualify.
Updated: 17 September 2026
Quick answer
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently provides £7,500 towards eligible air-to-water, ground-source and water-source heat pumps in England and Wales.
- The grant rises to £9,000 for qualifying off-gas-grid properties installing an eligible air-to-water or ground-source heat pump.
- To receive £9,000, the property must not be connected to the mains gas network and must currently use a fossil fuel heating system such as oil, LPG or solid fuel.
- The scheme is installer-led: an MCS certified installer applies on your behalf and deducts the grant from your quote.
- The enhanced £9,000 rate is currently available until 31 March 2027 alongside the main scheme.
The scheme
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is an Ofgem-administered programme in England and Wales that gives households upfront grants towards low carbon heating. It is designed to reduce the initial cost of installing a heat pump or biomass boiler.
Unlike some earlier programmes, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is not means tested. Eligibility depends on the property, the existing heating system and the technology being installed, not on household income. The installer must be MCS certified and applies for the grant on your behalf. The amount is then deducted from the quote you pay.
For a broader overview of grants and funding, see our guide to energy grants.
Comparison
£7,500 grant vs £9,000 grant
| Grant level | Currently applies to | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard BUS heat pump grant | Eligible air-to-water, ground-source and water-source heat pumps | £7,500 |
| Enhanced off-gas-grid grant | Eligible air-to-water or ground-source heat pumps in qualifying off-gas-grid properties | £9,000 |
| Biomass boiler grant | Eligible biomass boilers in properties not connected to the gas grid | £5,000 |
| Air-to-air heat pump grant | Eligible air-to-air heat pumps for residential properties | £2,500 |
Figures reflect the Ofgem-administered Boiler Upgrade Scheme as of September 2026. Always confirm the current grant rates and eligibility rules with your MCS certified installer or the official Ofgem guidance before proceeding.
Enhanced grant
Who qualifies for the £9,000 heat pump grant?
The £9,000 grant is an enhanced rate for properties that are off the mains gas grid. To be eligible, the home must usually meet all of the following:
- The property is in England or Wales and is covered by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- The property has no connection to the mains gas network.
- The existing heating system uses oil, LPG, solid fuel or another fossil fuel, and the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation.
- The new installation is an eligible air-to-water or ground-source heat pump with a maximum capacity of 45kWth.
- The installation is carried out by an MCS certified installer who applies for the grant and deducts it from the final cost.
This is not a separate application process. Your installer assesses whether the property qualifies for the enhanced rate when they quote and apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Requirements
Key eligibility requirements at a glance
These rules apply to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme generally. The £9,000 rate has the same foundation as the standard grant, with the extra condition that the property is off the gas grid.
Location
England or Wales.
Property type
Domestic properties, including owner-occupied, private rented and social housing where the landlord agrees.
Gas grid status
No mains gas connection for the £9,000 enhanced rate.
Existing system
Fossil fuel heating such as oil, LPG or solid fuel.
EPC condition
No outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations on the EPC.
Technology
Eligible air-to-water or ground-source heat pump up to 45kWth.
Installer
Must be MCS certified and registered with the scheme.
Previous grants
Property must not already have received a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for the same heating system.
Process
How is the grant applied?
The grant is installer-led, which means you do not apply to Ofgem or the government directly. The process usually works like this:
- Arrange a home assessment with one or more MCS certified heat pump installers.
- The installer checks that your property and chosen heat pump meet the Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules, including whether the enhanced £9,000 rate applies.
- You accept a quote that already has the grant deducted from the headline cost.
- The installer completes the work and claims the grant from Ofgem.
Because the grant is deducted upfront, you should see the full benefit immediately rather than claiming it back later. Always ask for written confirmation that the installer has included the grant in your quote.
Timeline
Current deadline
- 31 March 2027
- The £9,000 enhanced off-gas-grid grant and the standard Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants are currently confirmed until this date. Installations must be commissioned and grant applications made before the scheme closes.
- Before you commit
- Grant rules and funding periods can change. Confirm the current position with your installer and the official Ofgem guidance before signing a contract or paying a deposit.
Suitability
Is a heat pump right for your home?
A grant makes the upfront cost lower, but it does not guarantee that every property is suited to a heat pump. The right answer depends on your property's heat loss, insulation, existing emitters and the space available for a hot water cylinder or ground loop.
For a detailed walkthrough of performance, costs and suitability, see our heat pumps guide. You may also want to explore how solar panels or battery storage can work alongside a heat pump to reduce the amount of grid electricity you buy.
Common questions
Heat pump grant FAQs
Is the £9,000 heat pump grant means tested?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is based on your property and heating system, not your income. The £9,000 rate applies when the home is off the mains gas grid and meets the other eligibility conditions.
Can I get £9,000 if I live on mains gas?
No. The enhanced rate is specifically for qualifying off-gas-grid properties. Homes connected to mains gas are eligible for the standard £7,500 grant towards an eligible heat pump, provided the other scheme rules are met.
Do I apply for the grant myself?
No. Your MCS certified installer applies on your behalf and deducts the grant from your quote. You simply pay the reduced amount.
Does the grant cover the full cost of a heat pump?
No. The grant is a fixed contribution towards the installation. You will still need to fund the remaining cost, which varies depending on the property, system size and any additional work required.
What happens after 31 March 2027?
The current scheme and grant rates are confirmed until 31 March 2027. After that, the scheme may close, change or be replaced. Check the latest official guidance before making plans.
Can the grant be combined with other energy funding?
It depends on the other programme. Some schemes, such as ECO4, may run alongside the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in certain circumstances, but you cannot receive duplicate support for the same measure. Your installer or scheme administrator can confirm what applies to you.
Sources
Where to check the official position
Grant values, eligibility rules and deadlines can change. The most reliable sources are the official Ofgem Boiler Upgrade Scheme pages and GOV.UK guidance. Always confirm the current position with your MCS certified installer before committing to work.
For a wider look at home energy funding, see our energy grants hub.