BUS Grant Eligibility: Do You Qualify for the £7,500 Heat Pump Grant?

Six questions stand between you and £7,500 off a heat pump. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility criteria are straightforward, but one requirement catches more applicants than any other — and it is easy to fix if you know about it in advance.

This guide covers every requirement in detail, explains the grey areas that trip people up, and tells you what to do if you do not qualify for the BUS grant but still want financial help with a heat pump.

The Quick Eligibility Check

Answer these six questions. If you can answer yes to all of them, you almost certainly qualify:

1. Do you own the property? (Owner-occupier or landlord)
2. Is the property in England or Wales?
3. Do you have a valid EPC?
4. Have you completed any insulation measures recommended on your EPC?
5. Are you replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system?
6. Is the property an existing building (not a new build)?

If you answered no to any of these, keep reading — we explain each requirement in detail and whether there are workarounds.

Requirement 1: You Must Own the Property

What About Leasehold Properties?

Leaseholders can apply if they own the property. However, you may need permission from the freeholder for external alterations (such as placing a heat pump unit outside). Check your lease and speak to your freeholder or management company before proceeding.

Requirement 2: Property Must Be in England or Wales

• England: Eligible for BUS
• Wales: Eligible for BUS (and also the Nest scheme for low-income households)
• Scotland: Not eligible for BUS, but has the Home Energy Scotland scheme offering up to £15,000 in combined grants and loans
• Northern Ireland: Not eligible for BUS. See our Northern Ireland grants guide

If your property is not in England or Wales, do not worry — Scotland's scheme is actually more generous than BUS.

Requirement 3: You Need a Valid EPC

An Energy Performance Certificate is mandatory. EPCs are valid for 10 years, rate your property from A to G, and include recommendations for improving energy efficiency.

The Insulation Catch

This is the requirement that trips up more applicants than any other. If your EPC recommends loft insulation or cavity wall insulation, you must complete these measures before the BUS grant application can be approved.

Valid exceptions include: solid walls (no cavities to insulate), loft already adequately insulated, a technical reason why the measure is not suitable, or the measure has been completed since the EPC was issued. Getting insulation done first is not just a grant requirement — it will also help your heat pump perform better and cost less to run.

Requirement 4: Replacing an Existing Fossil Fuel System

The BUS grant is specifically for replacing fossil fuel heating:

• Gas boiler: Yes — gas central heating qualifies
• Oil boiler: Yes
• LPG boiler: Yes
• Electric storage heaters: Yes
• Coal or solid fuel: Yes
• Existing heat pump (upgrading): No
• No existing system: No

Requirement 5: Not a New Build

New-build properties are excluded. The government expects new builds to include low-carbon heating as standard under updated Building Regulations. Self-builds are a grey area — discuss with your installer and potentially Ofgem.

Requirement 6: MCS-Certified Installer

The heat pump must be installed by an MCS-certified installer. This is non-negotiable. MCS certification ensures the installer is properly trained, the installation comes with a quality guarantee, and you are protected as a consumer. Verify certification on the MCS website, or use our free quote service to connect with verified installers.

Special Circumstances

Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are eligible. However, you may need listed building consent for external changes. Contact your local planning authority.

Park Homes and Mobile Homes

Park homes can qualify if they meet the other criteria and have a valid EPC.

Flats and Apartments

Individual flats can qualify, but you need somewhere to place the outdoor unit and may need freeholder permission. Air source heat pumps need adequate outdoor space.

Mixed-Use Properties

If your property has residential and commercial sections, the residential portion may be eligible.

What If You Do Not Qualify for BUS?

• ECO4 scheme: Fully funded installation for low-income households
• Scotland: Home Energy Scotland has different criteria
• Wales: The Nest scheme targets low-income households
• Local authority schemes: Check with your local council
• Alternative finance: Green loans and 0% finance options exist

See our complete UK grants guide for every available scheme. If you are also exploring renewable electricity, our solar energy guide covers solar panel grants and how they work alongside heat pump funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tenants apply for the BUS grant?

No. Only property owners (owner-occupiers or landlords) can apply. If you are a tenant, ask your landlord to apply.

Does my property need a minimum EPC rating?

No. There is no minimum EPC rating required. However, any EPC recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation must be addressed.

Can I get the BUS grant if I already have a heat pump?

No. The grant is for replacing fossil fuel heating systems only.

Is there a property value cap for the BUS grant?

No. There is no upper limit on property value.

Can I get the BUS grant for a second home?

Yes, provided the property meets all other eligibility criteria. The grant is per property, not per person.

Do I need planning permission for a heat pump?

Most air source heat pumps are permitted development. Check with your local authority if you are unsure.