BUS Grant Eligibility: Do You Qualify for the Heat Pump Grant?

Five questions stand between you and £7,500 off a heat pump — or £9,000 if your home is off the gas grid and heated by oil or LPG. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility criteria are straightforward, and one old rule about EPCs and insulation still confuses applicants even though it no longer appears in the GOV.UK eligibility list.

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 five 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. Are you replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system?
4. 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: a grant of up to £7,500 (up to £9,000 with the rural uplift) plus an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500
• 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 and Northern Ireland have their own support, covered in the guides linked above.

Requirement 3: 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 — £9,000 if your home has no mains gas connection (air-to-water or ground source, 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027)
• LPG boiler: Yes — £9,000 on the same off-gas terms as oil
• Electric storage heaters: Yes
• Coal or solid fuel: Yes (£7,500; the higher off-gas amount applies only to oil and LPG)
• Existing heat pump (upgrading): No
• No existing system: No

Requirement 4: 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 5: 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 before you sign anything. You can also request a heat pump quote through this site.

Do You Need an EPC?

Not as a listed condition. The GOV.UK eligibility rules for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme do not list an Energy Performance Certificate, and the old rule that loft or cavity wall insulation recommended on an EPC had to be completed first was removed in May 2024. You do not need to buy an EPC to apply; your installer confirms what the scheme needs when they submit the application. Insulating first is still sensible: it helps your heat pump perform better and cost less to run.

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. Your installer will confirm eligibility for your specific home.

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 Welsh Government Nest scheme can fund improvements for eligible households on a low income or means-tested benefits; check eligibility with Nest
• 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. The GOV.UK eligibility rules do not list an EPC or a minimum rating, and the old insulation-recommendation rule was removed in May 2024. Your installer confirms what the scheme needs.

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?

In England most air source heat pumps are permitted development, provided the installation passes the MCS 020(a) noise assessment. Wales and Scotland have their own rules, so check with your local planning authority there.