Warm Homes Plan 2026: What Is It and Who Qualifies?

The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's biggest home energy programme in years. Backed by £15 billion in funding, it aims to upgrade 5 million homes by 2030 — covering insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and more. But not all of it is available yet, and eligibility varies widely depending on which part of the plan you're looking at.

This guide explains what the Warm Homes Plan covers, who qualifies, and what the most practical options are for UK households right now in 2026.

What is the Warm Homes Plan?

The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's flagship home energy efficiency programme. It replaces the patchwork of previous schemes (including ECO4) with a more comprehensive framework that includes:

• Free upgrades for low-income households via local councils
• Grants for heat pump installation (the continuing Boiler Upgrade Scheme)
• Low-interest loans for households who can pay but need financial support
• Transitional support through ECO4, which runs until December 2026

The plan is designed to reduce the UK's carbon emissions, lower household energy bills, and eliminate fuel poverty. It is being rolled out in phases between 2025 and 2030.

What support is available under the Warm Homes Plan?

Warm Homes Local Grant — free upgrades for low-income households

The Warm Homes Local Grant is the most significant new strand of the plan for low-income households. It provides fully funded upgrades — including insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and batteries — to eligible households.

Crucially, this scheme is delivered by local councils, not private installers. If you are on a low income, your local council will assess your eligibility and arrange the works. You should not need to deal with installers or energy suppliers directly for this strand.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme — £7,500 heat pump grant

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides a £7,500 grant toward the cost of heat pump installation. It is available to all homeowners regardless of income, and it runs until 2030. This is the most accessible scheme for homeowners who want to switch to a heat pump but are not on a low income.

Consumer Loan Scheme — 0% interest loans

Launching in April 2027, the Consumer Loan Scheme will offer 0% interest loans for solar panels and batteries. This is aimed at households who are able to pay for improvements but cannot afford the upfront cost.

ECO4 — transitional, ends December 2026

ECO4 remains the primary free scheme for low-income and fuel-poor households until it closes on 31 December 2026. After that date, the main free route will be through the Warm Homes Local Grant via local councils.

Who qualifies for the Warm Homes Plan?

Eligibility depends on which strand you are looking at:

Low-income households

If you are on a low income, the most relevant schemes are ECO4 (available now, free) and the Warm Homes Local Grant (via your council, rolling out from 2025). ECO4 is currently easier to access because it works through private installers who can assess and install quickly.

Homeowners who can afford to pay

If you can afford to contribute, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 toward a heat pump) and the upcoming Consumer Loan Scheme (0% loans for solar) are the most relevant options.

Private renters

Private renters on low incomes may qualify for ECO4 or the Warm Homes Local Grant with their landlord's consent. From 2030, new minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties will require landlords to upgrade homes to EPC C or above.

What's available right now in 2026?

Given the phased rollout, the most practical options for UK households in 2026 are:

1. ECO4 — if you receive qualifying benefits or have an EPC of D or below, this is the fastest route to free upgrades. It ends 31 December 2026.
2. Boiler Upgrade Scheme — if you want a heat pump and are a homeowner, this £7,500 grant is available now through approved installers.
3. Warm Homes Local Grant — check with your local council about what is available in your area.

Warm Homes Plan vs ECO4 — what's the difference?

The key practical difference is that the Warm Homes Local Grant goes through local councils, which means longer timelines and more variation by area. ECO4 is more standardised and accessible right now.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Warm Homes Plan actually available yet? Parts of it are. ECO4 is running now. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is running now. The Warm Homes Local Grant is being rolled out through local councils in 2025–26. The Consumer Loan Scheme launches April 2027.

Do I have to wait for the Warm Homes Plan to get free upgrades? No. If you qualify for ECO4 — which you might if you receive qualifying benefits or have a poor EPC rating — you can get free upgrades through that scheme right now, before it closes in December 2026.

Is the Warm Homes Plan available in Scotland? The Warm Homes Plan as described here covers England and Wales primarily. Scotland has its own equivalent schemes through the Scottish Government, including the Home Energy Scotland programme.

Will the Warm Homes Plan cover existing ECO4 installations? No, existing installations under ECO4 do not need to be reapplied under the Warm Homes Plan. They are separate schemes.