If you’re considering using the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is whether your property is eligible.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is available to many property owners and some owners of small non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. However, not every property or heating system will qualify, so it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements before arranging an installation.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available for eligible properties in England and Wales. Applications are made by an MCS-certified installer, not by the property owner.
Who Is Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
You may qualify if:
- You own an eligible property in England or Wales, including your home, a property you rent out, a second home, or certain small non-domestic buildings.
- You are replacing an eligible fossil fuel or electric heating system.
- Your new heating system is an eligible heat pump or, in limited circumstances, a biomass boiler.
- The installation is carried out by an MCS-certified installer.
- Your installer submits the application within the required scheme timescales.
Eligibility is assessed by Ofgem before a grant voucher is issued. Your installer will normally confirm whether your property and proposed installation meet the current scheme requirements before submitting an application.
What Properties Can Qualify?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies to many existing properties and some small non-domestic buildings.
Eligible properties may include:
- Your main home.
- A second home.
- A property you rent out to tenants.
- Certain small non-domestic buildings.
Some newly built properties are not eligible, although limited exceptions may apply under the scheme rules.
Can Landlords Use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Yes. Landlords may be able to use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for eligible rental properties.
The property and proposed installation must still meet the scheme requirements, and the work must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer.
The landlord, rather than the tenant, would normally be the property owner involved in the application process.
Can Business Properties Qualify?
Some small non-domestic properties may qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Eligibility depends on the building, its existing heating system and the proposed installation. Owning a business does not automatically make a property eligible, so the installer must check that the building meets the current scheme requirements.
What Heating Systems Can Be Replaced?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is designed to help property owners replace eligible existing heating systems with lower-carbon alternatives.
This may include replacing:
- Gas boilers.
- Oil boilers.
- LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) heating systems.
- Eligible direct electric heating systems.
Gas, oil and LPG are fossil fuels. Electric heating is not a fossil-fuel system, but some direct electric heating systems may still qualify for replacement under the scheme.
Your installer will confirm whether your existing heating system and proposed installation meet the current Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules.
What Installations Qualify?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently supports grants towards eligible:
- Air source heat pumps.
- Ground source heat pumps.
- Water source heat pumps.
- Biomass boilers in limited circumstances.
You can learn more about the available technologies in our main Boiler Upgrade Scheme guide.
Do I Need an MCS-Certified Installer?
Yes.
Only an installer certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme can apply for a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
Your installer is responsible for:
- Assessing whether your property is suitable.
- Checking whether the proposed installation meets the scheme rules.
- Submitting the application to Ofgem.
- Obtaining your consent to the application.
- Redeeming the grant after the installation has been completed.
Do I Need an EPC?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules have changed since the scheme was introduced.
The previous requirement to complete recommended loft or cavity wall insulation before receiving the grant was removed in May 2024.
Your installer may still review your property’s energy performance and heating requirements when deciding whether a heat pump or biomass boiler is suitable.
Are New-Build Properties Eligible?
Most newly built properties are not eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Limited exceptions may apply, including some self-build properties. Your installer should confirm whether the property meets the relevant definition before submitting an application.
What Could Make a Property Ineligible?
Not every property qualifies for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. A property or installation may be ineligible if:
- The property is outside England or Wales.
- The property is a new build, unless it falls within one of the scheme’s limited exceptions (such as certain self-build properties).
- The property is social housing.
- The property has already received government funding or support for a heat pump or biomass boiler.
- The proposed heating system is not eligible under the scheme.
- The installation is not carried out by an MCS-certified installer.
- The application is submitted outside the permitted scheme timescales.
- The proposed installation does not meet the technical or scheme requirements.
Your installer should explain any eligibility concerns before you sign a contract or pay a deposit. If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, ask your installer to confirm your eligibility before they submit an application to Ofgem.
How Can I Check My Eligibility?
The simplest way to check your eligibility is to contact an MCS-certified installer.
The installer should assess your property, examine your existing heating system and explain whether the proposed installation is likely to qualify.
If you decide to proceed, read our guide on How To Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
People Also Asked
Can homeowners apply?
Yes, provided the property meets the scheme rules. The application itself is submitted by the installer.
Can landlords use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Yes, eligible landlords may apply through an MCS-certified installer.
Do I need an EPC?
The eligibility rules have changed since the scheme launched, and previous insulation requirements have been removed. Your installer can explain the current requirements for your property.
Can I apply directly to Ofgem?
No. Only your installer submits the application.
Additional Reading
- Boiler Uprade Scheme
- How To Apply For The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme vs ECO4
- Air Source Heat Pump Grants
Sources
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