National Self Build & Renovation Centre Logo close Menu
Book Free Now

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The government is providing grants to encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps, through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). These grants can help property owners overcome the upfront cost of low carbon heating technologies. We will be posting more information on the BUS in the coming weeks, but here are the main things you need to know…

The scheme is open to domestic and small non-domestic properties in England and Wales. It launched for new applications on the 23rd May and runs until 2025.

The grants are not available for new build properties, however the good news is that self-built homes are exempt from this.

The grants available are:

  • £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
  • £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler*
  • £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump (including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops)

You can get one grant per property.

*Biomass boiler grant does NOT apply to self builders.

The scheme is open to domestic and small non-domestic properties with:

  • an installation capacity up to 45kWth (this covers most homes)
  • a current energy performance certificate (EPC), with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation
  • Crucially, the grant is not available for new build properties apart from certain self-builds.

To be eligible, a self-build must have:

  • been built mainly using the labour or resources of the first owner
  • not been owned by a business or organisation

You will need to provide proof to your installer that your property is a self-build, for example a copy of the title deeds.

Hybrid heat pump systems, for example a combination of a gas boiler and air source heat pump, are not eligible, and the new heating system must:

  • have been commissioned (that is, installed and fully checked by your installer) on or after 1 April 2022
  • be capable of meeting the full space heating and hot water requirements of your property
  • replace an existing fossil fuel heating system (such as oil, gas or electric)
  • meet certain technical standards, such as minimum efficiency requirements (your installer can advise you on these)

You cannot get funding for the replacement of existing low carbon heating systems.

To learn more about how the scheme works and check the full eligibility criteria visit the .GOV website

Latest articles


Move or Renovate? Harvey Fremlin weighs in on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box Live

If your current home no longer suits your needs, should you move - or improve? It’s a dilemma millions face, and Money Box Live on BBC Radio 4 tackled the issue in its latest episode (first broadcast on May 7, 2025).

Felicity Hannah was joined by key voices in the property and renovation space, including Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director of The National Self Build & Renovation Centre. Using his insight into the self build & renovation industry, Harvey offered guidance for homeowners grappling with this decision.

April Trade Village Newsletter 2025

New Partners & Upgraded Stands Edition

We are proud to introduce some of our newest exhibitors and fresh, upgraded stands at the Centre. Our partners are experts in self build and renovation, and are highly engaged in this community. Visit our upcoming events to meet them and explore their amazing displays!

Keep reading to discover the latest offerings at the NSBRC...

VIEW THE FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS AT THE NSBRC

Seize the Moment: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Self Build Your Dream Home

We received this blog from longstanding exhibitor, Fleming Homes and found the piece inspiring, and wanted to share this with you. We hope this offers encouragement as you embark on your homebuilding project.

"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect." Alan Cohen*

Alan Cohen's quote captures a powerful truth that’s particularly relevant to self-building. When the housing market feels uncertain, when interest rates continue to feel elevated in comparison with the record lows of 2020-2021, or when material prices fluctuate, it’s tempting to put the brakes on our plans - to hold off until things calm down.

The National Self Build & Renovation Show: Friday 10th & Saturday 11th October 2025


Create your perfect home at The National Self Build & Renovation Show! Join us for two days of an unrivalled line up of exhibitors and experts on hand to share their advice, this is an unmissable event for anyone thinking of self building or renovating their home.

The National Self Build & Renovation Show