Air Source Heat Pump Grant 2026: The Complete UK Guide for Homeowners

In 2026, you can get a £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant for air source heat pumps. If your home is off the gas grid (using oil or LPG), this increases to £9,000 from July 2026. Other options include the ECO4 scheme for low-income households and new low-interest loans under the government’s Warm Homes Plan.

As the UK continues its transition toward net-zero, 2026 represents a pivotal year for home heating. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan now in full swing, the financial incentives to move away from fossil fuel boilers have never been more substantial. For homeowners in London and Kent, where property types range from dense Victorian terraces to rural off-grid cottages, understanding which air source heat pump grant 2026 offers is the first step toward a more efficient home.

Key takeaways

• The standard Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant remains at £7,500 for air-to-water heat pumps.
• A new £9,000 uplift is available for off-gas grid properties (oil/LPG) between July 2026 and March 2027.
• Air-to-air heat pumps are now potentially eligible for a £2,500 grant under updated 2026 regulations.
• EPC requirements for loft and cavity wall insulation have been scrapped to streamline applications.
• The Warm Homes Plan has introduced £2bn in low-interest loans to complement existing grants.

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in 2026?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme remains the primary vehicle for heat pump adoption in England and Wales. As of 2026, the scheme provides an upfront voucher to reduce the capital cost of renewable heating systems. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the standard grant for an air source heat pump (ASHP) is £7,500. This is applied directly to your quote by an MCS-certified installer, meaning you only pay the remaining balance.

One of the most significant changes for 2026 is the implementation of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026. These regulations have officially removed the previous requirement to have no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation on your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). While insulation is still highly recommended to ensure your heat pump operates at maximum efficiency, it is no longer a legal barrier to receiving the grant.

How does the £9,000 off-gas grid uplift work?

For residents in rural parts of Kent—such as the Weald or areas around Ashford and Canterbury—who currently rely on heating oil or LPG, 2026 brings a major funding boost. From 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, the BUS grant for air source and ground source heat pumps increases to £9,000 for eligible off-gas grid properties.

This uplift is designed to target homes where fuel costs are typically more volatile. By providing an extra £1,500 in support, the government aims to make the switch from oil to electricity more affordable. When combined with the scrapping of VAT on electricity bills expected in late 2026, the long-term running costs for these properties could become significantly more competitive compared to traditional fossil fuels.

Can I get a grant for air-to-air heat pumps in 2026?

Historically, the BUS only covered air-to-water systems that connect to radiators or underfloor heating. However, following the 2026 amendments, air-to-air heat pumps (often used for both heating and cooling) are now eligible for a £2,500 grant.

This is particularly relevant for London homeowners living in modern apartments or smaller urban spaces where installing a full wet radiator system might be impractical. To qualify, the system must be designed to provide space heating as its primary function; cooling-only units remain ineligible. This grant makes air-to-air systems a highly attractive option for those looking for year-round climate control in Kent and London’s increasingly warm summers.

What other heat pump grants can I get in 2026?

Beyond the BUS, several other funding streams exist to support different demographics:

The Warm Homes Plan and Low-Interest Loans

The government’s Warm Homes Plan has allocated £15bn toward decarbonisation. A key feature for 2026 is the availability of £2bn in low-interest loans. These are designed to help homeowners cover the 'gap' between the grant amount and the total installation cost, which typically ranges from £10,000 to £14,000 before the grant is applied.

ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme

For low-income households or those receiving certain benefits, the ECO4 scheme may provide a fully funded heat pump. Unlike the BUS, which is a discount, ECO4 can potentially cover the entire cost of the installation and necessary energy efficiency upgrades. This is a vital resource for vulnerable residents in areas like Thanet or parts of South East London where fuel poverty is a concern.

Local Kent Community Grants

Specific local initiatives, such as the Kent Community Energy grant rounds, offer additional support for community-led projects and sustainable initiatives. While these are often aimed at community buildings rather than individual private homes, they contribute to the wider infrastructure that makes renewable energy more accessible across the county.

Is my London or Kent home eligible?

Eligibility for the air source heat pump grant 2026 depends on a few key factors:

1. Property Type: The BUS is available for existing domestic and small non-domestic buildings. New-build properties are generally excluded unless they are self-builds.
2. Existing System: You must be replacing a fossil fuel system (gas, oil, or LPG) or an electric resistance heater. You cannot claim the grant if you already have a heat pump.
3. Installer: The work must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer. At Renewables For Us, we handle the entire application process for our clients in London and Kent, ensuring the grant is deducted from your final invoice.

How to apply for a heat pump grant in 2026

The application process is designed to be installer-led, meaning the homeowner has very little paperwork to handle.

• Step 1: Contact an MCS-certified installer for a home survey. In London and Kent, we assess your heat loss and radiator suitability.
• Step 2: Receive a quote that clearly shows the £7,500 or £9,000 BUS discount.
• Step 3: The installer applies for a voucher from Ofgem on your behalf.
• Step 4: Once the installation is complete, the installer redeems the voucher, and the government pays them directly.

Why act now?

While the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is currently slated to run until 2028, the specific £9,000 uplift for off-gas homes is a temporary measure ending in March 2027. Furthermore, with the removal of EPC barriers and the introduction of low-interest loans, 2026 provides a unique window where financial support and regulatory ease align. Whether you are in a Victorian terrace in Bromley or a farmhouse in Maidstone, these grants can potentially reduce the upfront cost of a heat pump to a level comparable with a high-end gas boiler replacement.