What is the new Green Homes Grant?
Originally published 30 September 2020. The Green Homes Grant has since closed, so this is kept for reference only - see our latest guides.
The Green Homes Grant was a government funded scheme for 2020 that entitled UK homeowners to money to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
The scheme came from the Chancellor as part of a £3 billion green recovery fund announced in July 2020. Almost two-thirds of this fund was used for Green Homes Grants, free cash in the form of vouchers that households had to put towards energy-efficient home improvements.
Why are home energy improvements beneficial?
- Pay less to heat your home forever
- Make your home more energy efficient and sustainable
- Get money towards fuelling your home
Who could take advantage of the Green Homes Grant?
The Green Homes Grant was available to anyone who owned their own home or owned privately rented properties (private and social landlords).
What money was available?
The government provided vouchers to cover the cost of around two-thirds of the improvement work, up to £5,000, with the homeowner making up the remainder. For example, if the work cost £4,000, the first £2,680 would be covered by the grant and you would fund the remaining £1,320. Low income households were entitled to vouchers covering 100% of the costs to a maximum of £10,000.
What energy efficient improvements could be funded?
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Floor insulation
- Room in roof insulation
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar thermal energy
- Heating controls
- Double glazing
- External doors
What improvements are right for my home?
The right improvements depend on how you heat your home and how efficient it already is. If you already have an efficient boiler and central heating system, the money may be best spent on insulation. If you have an old boiler, you might want to replace it with an air source heat pump. A survey from a heating specialist is how to find out for sure.
For current help with energy efficiency funding, see our guide on the boiler upgrade scheme.