If your gas or oil boiler is getting old, you may be thinking about replacing it. A heat pump is one option, but the price can put many homeowners off. That is where the Boiler Upgrade Scheme may help.

The scheme offers grants to property owners in England and Wales who want to replace an existing heating system with a heat pump. For an eligible air source heat pump, the grant is currently £7,500. Some homes that use oil or LPG and are not connected to the gas grid may qualify for £9,000.

But there is a catch: not every property can claim. Your current heating system, property type and choice of installer all matter.

So, before you spend a penny, let's look at who can apply, which homes qualify and how to get the grant.

What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government grant that helps property owners pay for a low-carbon heating system.

It is designed to make heat pumps more affordable. Instead of burning gas or oil to heat your home, a heat pump uses electricity to move heat from the air or ground into your property.

The grant pays towards the installation cost. You do not usually receive the money in your bank account. Your installer applies for the grant and takes the approved amount off your bill.

The scheme is available in England and Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you will need to check the separate support available there.

How Much Grant Can You Get in 2026?

The amount depends on the type of heating system you choose.

Here are the main grant amounts:

There is also extra support for some homes that are not connected to the mains gas grid.

If your property uses oil or LPG and meets the scheme's conditions, you may qualify for a total grant of £9,000 towards an eligible air source or ground source heat pump.

This extra amount does not apply to a standard home replacing a mains gas boiler.

The figures above are grant amounts, not promises that your whole installation will be free. You will need to pay any cost left after the grant has been deducted.

You can check the current figures on the official government grant guidance.

Who Can Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The first thing to check is whether you own the property.

You may be able to apply if you:

• Own the home where the heat pump will be installed.

• Own a second home that meets the scheme's rules.

• Are a private landlord with an eligible rental property.

• Own a business property that meets the requirements.

• Plan to replace an existing gas, oil, LPG or eligible electric heating system.

You do not have to wait until your old boiler stops working. If you are planning a heating upgrade, you can check your eligibility before arranging the work.

However, owning a property does not mean you will automatically receive the grant. The proposed heat pump and installation must also meet the scheme's standards.

Which Homes Are Not Eligible?

Some properties cannot receive support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. It is worth checking this before asking installers for quotes.

The scheme generally excludes:

• Social housing: Properties provided as social housing do not qualify.

• Most new-build homes: A home being built by a developer will not usually be eligible.

• Homes with an existing low-carbon heating system: You cannot use the grant to replace an existing heat pump with another one.

• Previously funded installations: You cannot claim again for an installation that has already received certain public funding.

There is an exception for some self-build properties. A home built by its first owner, or by a builder working for that owner, may qualify if it meets the scheme's conditions.

A completed new-build home with a fossil fuel heating system may also qualify in some cases. It is best to ask an installer to check rather than assume your property is excluded.

Can You Get a Grant for an Air Source Heat Pump?

Yes. Air source heat pumps are one of the main systems covered by the scheme.

They take heat from the outside air and use it to warm your home and water. They run on electricity, so they do not burn gas or oil inside your property.

Before recommending a system, an installer should check:

• How much heat your home needs.

• Whether your current radiators are suitable.

• The condition of your insulation.

• Where the outdoor unit can be fitted.

• Whether you need a new hot water cylinder.

If you want to Get Heat Pump Grant through boiler upgrade scheme, start by checking your property's eligibility. Then speak to an MCS-certified installer who can assess your home and explain the likely cost.

Do not choose a heat pump just because it comes with a grant. It needs to be the right size for your home, too.

Can Landlords Claim the Grant?

Yes. Private landlords can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if they own an eligible rental property.

This can be useful if you have an older property with a gas, oil or LPG boiler that needs replacing. A heat pump may offer a different way to heat the home, but the installation needs proper planning.

If you are a landlord, check these points before booking the work:

• Make sure the property meets the scheme's rules.

• Choose an MCS-certified installer.

• Ask for a survey and a written quote.

• Tell your tenants about the planned work.

• Check whether radiators or the hot water system need changes.

• Make sure the grant is shown as a deduction from the final price.

Remember, the scheme is not open to social housing. Private landlords must also meet the same relevant property and installation rules as other applicants.

What Other Rules Must You Follow?

Even if your property qualifies, the installer and heating system must meet certain standards.

Use an MCS-certified installer

Your heat pump must be installed by a company certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme for the relevant technology.

Choose an eligible heat pump

The equipment must meet the scheme's technical and efficiency rules. Ask the installer to confirm this before you sign a contract.

Replace an existing heating system

The new heat pump must replace an eligible existing heating system. The grant is not simply for adding another heating system to a home.

Check previous funding

If the same installation has already received certain public funding, you may not be able to claim again.

These checks are important. They help avoid problems with the application and make sure the system is suitable for your property.

How Do You Apply for the Grant?

You do not normally need to fill in the full application yourself. Your chosen installer handles it and submits the application to Ofgem.

Here is what happens:

1. Find an MCS-certified installer. Choose a company that has experience with heat pump installations.

2. Book a home survey. The installer checks your property, heating system and available space.

3. Ask for a written quote. Make sure it lists the equipment, labour and any extra work.

4. Check the grant deduction. The quote should show how much the grant reduces your bill.

5. Give your consent. Ofgem will contact you to confirm that you agree to the application.

6. Arrange the installation. Your installer completes the work and follows the remaining grant process.

The grant is paid to the installer. They deduct it from the price you owe, so you only pay the remaining balance.

You can read the official application steps here.

What Should You Ask Before Choosing an Installer?

Getting the grant is only part of the job. You also want a heat pump that works well and a company that does a decent job.

Before signing anything, ask:

• What is the full price before and after the grant?

• Which heat pump model will you install?

• Can my existing radiators stay?

• Will I need a new hot water cylinder?

• Are electrical and plumbing changes included?

• What warranty comes with the equipment and installation?

• Who should I contact if something goes wrong?

Get at least two or three quotes. Compare what each company includes, not just the final price.

If an installer rushes you or avoids answering basic questions, take your time and speak to another company. It is a big purchase, so there is no need to rush into it.

Conclusion: Check Your Home Before You Miss Out

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme can take a good amount off the cost of installing a heat pump. Eligible property owners in England and Wales can receive £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump. Some qualifying homes that use oil or LPG and are off the gas grid may receive £9,000.

Your home must meet the rules, and the installation must be carried out by a suitable certified installer. Check your property type, current heating system and any previous funding before making plans.

If you are looking into the government boiler upgrade scheme 2026, read the latest government guidance before booking an installation. Then get a proper home survey and compare quotes.

A quick eligibility check now could save you time, money and a lot of hassle later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant if I have a gas boiler?

Yes. Eligible property owners in England and Wales can receive £7,500 towards an approved air source or ground source heat pump when replacing an existing gas heating system.

2. Do I need to be on a low income to qualify?

No. The scheme does not have a general low-income requirement. Your property, existing heating system and proposed installation must meet the eligibility rules.

3. Can private landlords apply for the grant?

Yes. Private landlords can apply for eligible rental properties they own. Social housing is excluded.

4. Can I receive £9,000 instead of £7,500?

Some off-gas-grid properties may qualify for £9,000 when replacing an existing oil or LPG heating system with an eligible heat pump. This extra amount is not available to standard homes replacing mains gas boilers.

5. Do I have to apply for the grant myself?

No. Your MCS-certified installer submits the application to Ofgem. You will need to confirm your consent when contacted.