Government-backed insulation grants are available across the UK to help homeowners and tenants improve their property’s energy efficiency, reduce energy bills, and lower carbon emissions. These energy efficiency grants, provided through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), offer financial support for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and other essential home upgrades.
Free insulation grants in the UK are part of the government’s ongoing effort to make homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Through schemes like ECO4 and GBIS, eligible households can receive fully funded or heavily subsidised insulation installations, helping reduce heat loss and energy waste.
These grants are available to:
Homeowners looking to upgrade their property’s insulation
Private tenants (with landlord consent)
Landlords with qualifying tenants
Eligibility for insulation grants in the UK often depends on factors such as:
Household income level
Receipt of qualifying benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support)
Property type and current EPC rating
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking — many households across the UK are eligible for free home insulation under ECO4 or GBIS.
Lower energy bills: Save up to 30% on heating costs.
Warmer, more comfortable home: Prevent heat loss and improve year-round comfort.
Increased property value: A higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating boosts market appeal.
Reduced carbon footprint: Support the UK’s net-zero goals by cutting household emissions.
By applying for Free Insulation Grants UK, you can enjoy a more energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and affordable home.
Government insulation grants are designed to help UK homeowners and tenants make their homes more energy efficient, reduce heating costs, and support the country’s move toward net-zero carbon emissions. Two of the main initiatives offering free or subsidised insulation are the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4).
Here’s everything you need to know about qualifying for these energy efficiency grants in the UK.
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a UK government energy efficiency initiative running from April 2023 to April 2026. It aims to make homes across England, Scotland, and Wales warmer and more energy-efficient, focusing on low-income and vulnerable households.
Targets homes with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D to G
Applies to properties in Council Tax bands A to D in England and A to E in Scotland and Wales
Focuses on single insulation measures such as:
Loft insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Solid wall insulation
Provides funding covering 75–100% of insulation costs for qualifying households
Complements the ECO4 scheme by offering more targeted insulation support
GBIS is ideal for households looking for affordable insulation upgrades that immediately reduce energy waste and heating expenses.
The ECO4 scheme, launched in April 2022 and running until March 2026, is the latest phase of the UK Government’s Energy Company Obligation programme. Under ECO4, medium and large energy suppliers are required to help eligible households reduce their energy usage by funding home energy efficiency improvements.
Focused on low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households
Aims to improve home heating efficiency and comfort levels
Targets properties with low EPC ratings (D, E, F, or G)
Supports a “whole house” approach, improving multiple energy-saving measures
Contributes directly to the UK’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal
Typical ECO4 energy-saving measures include loft insulation, wall insulation, new boilers, air source heat pumps, and smart heating controls, helping homeowners cut both carbon emissions and energy bills.
To qualify for government-backed insulation grants under ECO4 or GBIS, applicants must meet certain income, property, and benefit-related requirements.
Households with a gross annual income below £31,000 typically qualify.
For self-employed applicants, eligibility is based on profit (not turnover).
These criteria ensure support is directed toward low-income families who would benefit most.
Homeowners: Properties with EPC ratings of D or below
Private renters: Properties with EPC ratings of E or below
Improving a home’s EPC rating helps increase comfort, lower bills, and boost property value.
England: Bands A to D
Scotland & Wales: Bands A to E
Households receiving the following benefits may qualify for free home insulation under ECO4 or GBIS:
Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Child Benefit (subject to income limits)
Pension Credit
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Priority is given to:
Low-income households struggling with high energy costs
Pensioners and over-70s, particularly those in vulnerable or cold conditions
Households with members suffering from health conditions affected by cold homes
Compare key features of the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) to find the right funding route for your home.
| Feature | Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) | Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) |
|---|---|---|
| Target audience | Low-income and vulnerable households in properties with EPC ratings D–G. Applies to Council Tax bands A–D (England) and A–E (Scotland & Wales). | Low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households in homes with low EPC ratings D, E, F or G. |
| Funding approach | Focuses on a single insulation measure (e.g. loft, cavity wall, or solid wall). Can subsidise 75–100% of costs for eligible households. | Uses a whole-house approach, funding multiple energy-efficiency improvements together. |
| Insulation measures | Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or solid wall insulation. | Multiple measures can be installed simultaneously (e.g. loft & wall insulation, heating controls, and more). |
| Grant coverage | Typically covers 75–100% of eligible insulation costs. | Coverage varies by measure, prioritising maximum long-term energy savings for low-income homes. |
| Scheme duration | April 2023 – March 2026 | 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2026 |
| Delivery method | Energy suppliers deliver measures through obligated installers. | Energy suppliers deliver measures through obligated installers. |
Different types of free insulation grants in the UK are available depending on the property type and construction style. Whether you live in a brick-built house, a converted loft property, or a home with solid walls, you may qualify for government-backed insulation funding under schemes such as ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
Below is a breakdown of the main types of insulation and the properties they apply to.
To qualify for a free Cavity Wall Insulation grant, your property must meet the following criteria:
Typically brick-built and constructed between 1924 and 1982
Have unfilled cavity walls
Properties built up to 2005 may also qualify if not yet insulated
Homes built before 1924 likely have solid walls and may not be eligible
Homes built after 1982 should already include cavity insulation
Installing cavity wall insulation can help reduce heat loss and lower energy bills.
👉 For detailed guidance, visit our Cavity Wall Insulation Grant page to learn more.
Loft Insulation Grants are designed to help homeowners reduce energy waste through the roof — one of the biggest sources of heat loss in UK homes. To qualify, properties should:
Have accessible loft spaces
Contain less than 100mm of existing insulation
Be suitable for insulation installation up to 270mm in depth
Adding loft insulation can significantly improve your home’s EPC rating, boost comfort, and lower heating costs.
👉 Visit our Loft Insulation Grants page to check your eligibility.
You could qualify for a free Room in Roof Insulation grant if your property includes converted or original roof rooms. Eligibility criteria typically include:
Property was originally built with roof rooms, or the loft has been converted
Little to no existing insulation is present
The area is accessed via a fixed staircase, not a loft ladder
This type of insulation helps stabilise temperatures in upper floors, preventing heat loss through the roof.
👉 Learn more on our Room in Roof Insulation page.
These insulation grants are ideal for properties with solid walls or non-cavity constructions that cannot be filled conventionally.
Eligible properties include:
Homes with solid or system-built walls lacking a cavity
Cavity wall homes where cavity insulation is not suitable or practical
In some cases, grants may cover up to 25% of the cost of external wall insulation, even for households not on qualifying benefits.
These upgrades enhance your property’s thermal performance, appearance, and long-term value.
👉 Visit our External Wall Insulation or Internal Wall Insulation pages for more details.
While government insulation grants such as ECO4 and GBIS are available nationwide, there are regional differences you should be aware of:
Council Tax band eligibility:
England: Bands A–D
Scotland & Wales: Bands A–E
Northern Ireland operates separate insulation grant programs – contact your local authority for available options.
Western coastal areas of England, Wales, and Scotland may have restrictions on cavity wall insulation due to exposure to wind-driven rain.
Some local councils offer additional or alternative insulation funding schemes, so it’s worth checking local options.
1. Local Council Insulation Grants
Many local councils across the UK offer their own energy efficiency and insulation grants to help homeowners and tenants reduce heating costs. Contact your local authority to find out what home improvement funding is available in your area.
2. Home Upgrade Grant (England)
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) provides energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households in England that are off the main gas grid and have an EPC rating of D to G. This may include insulation, low-carbon heating, and other home efficiency improvements.
3. Warm Homes Nest Scheme (Wales)
The Warm Homes Nest Scheme in Wales offers free energy-efficient home improvements for households receiving certain benefits or with specific health-related conditions.
4. Warmer Homes Scotland
The Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme helps eligible residents improve their property’s energy performance through free insulation, heating upgrades, and efficiency improvements.
5. Northern Ireland Affordable Warmth Scheme
In Northern Ireland, the Affordable Warmth Scheme provides home insulation and energy-saving upgrades for households with a gross annual income below £24,750.
Additional Insulation Funding Options
You may also qualify for a grant towards External Wall Insulation (EWI). The available funding percentage varies depending on the specific grant program.
FreeInsulation can help you arrange a free home insulation survey and quote from an approved local installer. However, please note that we are unable to assist with grants for Pitched/Sloping Roof Insulation or Flat Roof Insulation.
Our insulation grant application process is quick, transparent, and designed to help you find out if you’re eligible for free or government-funded home insulation grants — covering up to 100% of installation costs. Here’s how it works:
1. Check Your Eligibility Online
Start by completing our easy online insulation grant eligibility form. This helps us determine whether you qualify for UK home insulation funding through available energy efficiency schemes.
2. Property Verification
We’ll verify your home details using the official Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) database and Google Street View to assess your property’s current insulation and energy rating.
3. Connect With a Local Approved Installer
If you’re eligible, we’ll match you with a local accredited insulation installer in your area. They’ll contact you to arrange a free home insulation survey at a time that suits you.
4. Free Home Survey and Grant Confirmation
During the survey, the installer will confirm how much of the insulation cost can be covered by the grant and recommend the most effective energy-saving insulation options for your property.
5. Final Steps and Installation
If you decide to proceed, the installer will schedule your insulation installation date. You may need to provide a few supporting documents to finalise your grant approval.
6. Enjoy Long-Term Energy Savings
Once your insulation is installed, you’ll receive expert advice on how to maximise your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills.
Our simple, step-by-step process ensures you get the financial support and expert guidance needed to improve your home’s energy performance and make it warmer, greener, and more affordable to heat.
Your guide to UK government insulation grants. We connect homeowners with funding to create warmer, more energy-efficient homes.
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