EPC Grants for Landlords 2026: BUS, ECO4, GBIS & Warm Homes Fund Explained

Overview

Several government-backed schemes can help UK landlords fund EPC improvements. Some cover the full cost, others provide substantial subsidies. Here's what's available in 2025/26.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

What it covers: Up to £7,500 towards replacing fossil fuel heating with a heat pump.

Amounts:

• Air source heat pump: £7,500
• Ground source heat pump: £7,500
• Biomass boiler (rural only): £5,000

Eligibility:

• Property must have a valid EPC (commissioned within the last 10 years)
• Must be replacing fossil fuel heating (gas, oil, LPG, electric)
• Property must have adequate insulation (installer will assess)
• Available for rental properties, not just owner-occupied

How to apply: Through an MCS-certified installer. They handle the voucher application on your behalf. The grant is paid directly to the installer, reducing your upfront cost.

Key detail: The scheme was extended to March 2028. Budget is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis each financial year, so apply early.

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

What it covers: Free or heavily subsidised insulation for eligible properties.

Measures available:

• Cavity wall insulation
• Loft insulation
• Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
• Flat roof insulation
• Underfloor insulation

Eligibility (two routes):

*General eligibility:* Property in Council Tax bands A–D in England, or A–E in Scotland and Wales. No income requirement.

*Low-income route:* Household in receipt of qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.). Wider range of measures available.

How to apply: Contact your energy supplier or search the government's approved installer list. Suppliers are obligated to deliver a certain number of installations under the scheme.

ECO4

What it covers: Fully funded energy efficiency improvements delivered through energy suppliers.

Measures available:

• Insulation (all types)
• Heating system replacements
• Renewable energy installations
• Draught proofing
• Heating controls

Eligibility:

• Household must be in receipt of qualifying benefits
• Property must have an EPC of D, E, F, or G
• Referrals can also come through local authority "flex" routes for households in fuel poverty

How to apply: Contact your energy supplier directly, or through a local installer who participates in ECO4. Local authorities can also make referrals through the "LA Flex" mechanism.

Key detail: ECO4 runs until March 2026. A successor scheme (ECO5 or equivalent) is expected but not yet confirmed.

Warm Homes Plan

What it covers: The government's replacement for several older schemes, providing grants of up to £7,500 for home energy improvements.

Measures available:

• Insulation
• Clean heating systems
• Solar panels
• Other energy efficiency measures

Eligibility: Details are still being finalised, but the scheme is targeted at:

• Low-income households
• Fuel-poor households
• Properties with the poorest energy ratings

Status: The Warm Homes Plan was announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget. Rollout is phased through 2025–2026.

How to Maximise Your Grant Funding

Stack schemes where possible. Some measures can be funded through one scheme and others through a different scheme. For example, you might get cavity wall insulation through GBIS and a heat pump through BUS.

Check tenant eligibility. ECO4 is based on the tenant's income and benefits, not the landlord's. If your tenant qualifies, the work could be fully funded.

Get your EPC first. Most schemes require a valid EPC to determine eligibility. If your current EPC is more than 10 years old, commission a new one before applying.

Use MCS and TrustMark installers. Grant-funded work must be done by accredited installers. MCS certification is required for heat pumps and solar PV. TrustMark registration is required for insulation and general fabric improvements.

Check Your Eligibility

Our free tool automatically flags which grants your property is likely to qualify for based on your EPC data, heating type, and property characteristics. Enter your postcode to get started.