UK Heat Pump Grants in 2025: What’s New and How to Claim £7,500+

Thinking about swapping that old boiler for a sleek, eco-friendly heat pump? You’re hardly alone. Thousands of UK homeowners are making the shift, spurred on by the growing urgency to cut energy bills and carbon emissions. Thanks to fresh government funding and bigger grants, it’s never been easier to take the leap in 2025. So how does it all work, and crucially, who actually qualifies for the new £7,500+ grants in England, Wales, and Scotland?

Let’s walk through everything you need to know, with honest, experience-based insight from years of working with homeowners on low-carbon upgrades. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to apply, you’ll find the details, insider tips, and step-by-step support you need right here.

An Overview of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): What’s Changed for 2025?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) remains the government’s flagship programme for heat pump installation funding in England and Wales. The headline news for 2025? The grant value has shot up. Homeowners can now get up to £7,500 off the upfront cost of installing either an air source or ground source heat pump. That’s up from the previous £5,000 to £6,000 grants, making heat pumps accessible to more households than ever.

Funding for the BUS has also grown, with the government injecting an extra £25 million to the overall pot, boosting the scheme’s total for the year. This reflects the surging demand: record numbers of applications are being submitted each month, a testament to rising confidence in heat pump technology. What’s particularly striking is that these grants now often cover a significant chunk (sometimes even the majority) of the installation cost. With some setups even ending up cheaper than a new gas boiler.

Who Qualifies for the £7,500 Heat Pump Grant in England, Wales, and Scotland?

Let’s break down the nuts and bolts of eligibility, because this is where most people’s questions begin. For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales, most homeowners and landlords are eligible to apply for the full grant. Provided you haven’t already claimed a heat pump grant for the property and your installation is being handled by an installer certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

Other basics include:
- The property must be in England or Wales (Scotland has its own separate grant system).
- Homes and small non-domestic properties are covered, but new builds aren’t eligible unless you’re self-building your home.
- The system you’re installing must replace an existing fossil-fuel heating system (like oil, gas, or LPG boilers).
- You’ll need an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations.

What About Scotland?

If you’re north of the border, you’re in luck too. The Home Energy Scotland Grant now offers up to £7,500 for heat pump installations (or even up to £9,000 in some rural or remote areas). Homeowners can also combine this with an interest-free loan for extra costs. One of the UK’s most generous packages.

Local authority grants in some Scottish regions may stack on top of government support, so it’s always worth asking your local council what’s available. The simple rule: whether in England, Wales, or Scotland, check the eligibility criteria and try to combine schemes to maximise support.

Local Authority Incentives and Regional Support Schemes

National schemes get most of the headlines, but there’s a quiet revolution happening at a local level in 2025. Councils across the UK, from Manchester to Aberdeen, are using their own funding or collaborating with energy firms to help more households benefit from low-carbon heating.

Take Scotland’s Warmer Homes Scotland offer, for example. Besides the main grant, homeowners may receive extra support for insulation or income-based top-ups. Regions with higher fuel poverty, such as parts of North East England, often run special schemes in partnership with local authorities, sometimes bringing the total available funding to five figures.

Some councils refer homeowners to energy suppliers under the ECO4 Flex initiative. This can benefit residents who may not meet standard grant criteria but who still need support. It’s wise to:
- Contact your local authority directly. They’ll know exactly what’s running in your area.
- Explore schemes like the Home Upgrade Grant or ECO4 if you receive certain benefits, live in social housing, or your property rates poorly for energy efficiency.

In some cases, pulling together national, local, and energy company grants can get you a heat pump upgrade for little to no upfront cost. Especially in older or off-grid homes.

How to Apply for Financial Assistance: The Step-by-Step Process

Feeling daunted by the paperwork? Fortunately, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and local grant processes have become much simpler in 2025. The application turns out to be far less hands-on for homeowners than you might expect. Here’s how it usually works, drawn from real-world experiences:

1. Find an MCS-Certified Installer
   - The entire claim process is typically handled by your installer. Begin by getting a quote from someone who’s not just certified, but who understands the ins and outs of BUS and regional schemes. ThermRite is one specialist many have turned to.

2. Site Survey and Quote
   - Your installer will visit your property, carry out a technical assessment, and provide you with a detailed quote. They’ll show you how the grant is discounted upfront. No waiting for a rebate.

3. Installer Applies for the Grant
   - With your approval, your installer submits the BUS or local grant application on your behalf. For English and Welsh applications, this goes through Ofgem’s portal. (In Scotland, applications go via Home Energy Scotland.)

4. Approval and Installation
   - Once granted, you get written confirmation, and the installer books your job in. The grant value is taken off your final invoice, so there’s no need to find the cash upfront.

A crucial tip: always choose installers with demonstrable experience in applying for these grants. This ensures a smooth process and reduces the risk of any hold-ups.

Top Tips to Boost Application Success and Cut Wait Times

Applying for a heat pump grant shouldn’t feel like a lottery. To give yourself the very best shot. Here’s what’s worked not only for clients, but also industry insiders:

• Start with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) check-up. Make sure your property doesn’t need obvious insulation improvements. Outstanding recommendations on your EPC must be addressed first, or your application will stall.
• Get quotes from more than one installer, ideally those with a track record in BUS claims. Ask how many grants they’ve secured recently. And don’t be afraid to ask for references.
• Be prompt with documentation. Your installer will need proof of address, your EPC, and any planning permission details if your home is in a conservation area.
• Check for local stacking opportunities. Some homeowners combine multiple schemes for bigger savings. Always ask your installer or local authority if this is possible.
• Timing matters. Demand spikes at peak times and in colder months, often resulting in longer wait times. If you can, book your application just outside peak periods to speed things up.

Experienced installers know that a well-prepared owner moves straight to the front of the queue. Keeping your paperwork ready, knowing who to contact, and acting swiftly once eligible all make a real difference.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Moving to a heat pump isn’t just about personal savings. It’s a vote for a cleaner, greener future in the UK. With over £295 million now available through grants and even more support bubbling up from local councils, right now is a standout moment to act. Take those first steps, get your paperwork in order, and choose an installer who’ll guide you through every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my home is suitable for a heat pump?

Most homes can be fitted with a heat pump as long as there’s adequate insulation and space for the external unit. An installer will survey your property and advise you on the ideal model and any upgrades needed.

Can landlords apply for the £7,500 heat pump grant?

Yes. Landlords are eligible for Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding for rental properties as long as the other criteria are met, including not having previously claimed a heat pump grant for that property.

Are there grants available for new builds?

Generally, new builds aren’t covered by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme unless you’re a self-builder. Always check if your project qualifies before starting work.

What’s the difference between the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the main grant for air and ground source heat pumps in England and Wales, while ECO4 is designed to help low-income or vulnerable households access a broader range of energy efficiency improvements, including heat pumps and insulation.

How long does the grant process take from application to installation?

If your documentation is in order and your installer is experienced, approval can be as quick as a couple of weeks, with installations often taking place soon after. Busy periods or missing paperwork can extend the timeline, so early preparation is always best.

Your Next Step

Wherever you are in your renewable heating journey, strong grant support is available to help you switch to a heat pump in 2025. Start by discussing your options with your local authority and a reputable, MCS-certified installer, like trusted names such as ThermRite. This is the year to make your home warmer, more efficient, and future-ready. While pocketing the best financial help the UK has ever offered.

Don’t let another season go by without exploring your options. The grants won’t last forever and the early bird will always enjoy a smoother, quicker process. Make the switch and take your place among the forward-thinking homeowners leading the UK’s energy revolution.