£9,000 Heat Pump Grant (BUS Uplift): What Off-Gas-Grid Homeowners Need to Know
Published by C&T Group · June 2026
If your home is heated by oil or LPG (and you're not connected to the mains gas grid), there's a major update worth paying attention to. An enhanced Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of up to £9,000 has been announced for off-gas-grid properties.
⏱ Important timing note
The enhanced £9,000 rate is expected to come into effect from July 2026 and run until March 2027. The standard BUS grant of £7,500 is available now.
Who is this for?
The uplift is designed for homes that are typically more expensive to heat — and where switching to a heat pump can make the biggest difference. In practical terms, it's aimed at:
- Homes not connected to the gas grid
- Properties currently heated by oil or LPG
- Homeowners and landlords in England and Wales
What does the grant cover?
The BUS grant is a contribution towards the cost of installing a low-carbon heating system — most commonly an air source heat pump. The grant is applied directly to the installation cost, reducing what you pay.
Key point
You don't need to complete complicated paperwork yourself. The application is handled by your certified installer.
How to prepare (so you're ready when it opens)
The best outcomes come from preparation — not rushing. Here are the practical steps that make a heat pump project smoother and more predictable:
- Check your EPC — BUS requires a valid EPC, and it must not show outstanding loft/cavity insulation recommendations (unless not applicable).
- Insulation first — heat pumps work best in homes that hold onto warmth. Loft and cavity insulation are often the fastest wins.
- Radiator sizing review — many homes need larger radiators for low-temperature heating.
- Hot water setup — cylinder condition, location, and pipework all matter.
- Outdoor unit location — space, airflow, and noise planning (done properly) avoids headaches later.
A simple rule of thumb
If your home is draughty or hard to heat, start with insulation and controls. It makes any heating upgrade — boiler or heat pump — perform better.
What we recommend (honest guidance)
If you're off-gas-grid and thinking about a heat pump, the smartest move is to get a proper assessment now — so you're ready to proceed when the enhanced grant is confirmed. That way, you avoid last-minute decisions and you get a system designed around your home — not a one-size-fits-all package.
Want to check if your home qualifies?
We'll confirm whether your property is likely to qualify and explain what a heat pump installation would involve — clearly, and without pressure.