Loft insulation grants can make your home more energy efficient at little or no cost. This 2025 guide explains the main schemes and how to get funding for new or upgraded loft insulation.
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Loft insulation grants are funding schemes that help homeowners and tenants pay for new or upgraded loft insulation. They exist to make homes warmer, reduce energy use, and lower heating bills.
In the UK, grants are usually offered through government-backed schemes or energy suppliers. Some cover the full cost, while others provide partial funding, so you only pay the difference. The aim is to remove the upfront cost barrier and encourage more households to improve their energy efficiency.
Installing loft insulation to the recommended standard of 270mm can cut heat loss and save up to £620 a year on heating costs. It also helps reduce condensation, improve comfort, and increase the value of your home. If you want to learn more about installation costs without a grant, see our full guide to loft conversion costs.
There are several government grants for loft insulation available in 2025, each designed to help households improve energy efficiency and cut heating bills. The main schemes are the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) Scheme, and a range of local authority and regional grants.
What it is: The Great British Insulation Scheme is a government-funded programme with a £1 billion budget running until March 2026. It is administered by Ofgem and delivered through energy suppliers. The scheme covers insulation upgrades, including loft insulation, for eligible households.
Who can apply:
How much can you get? Many households qualify for 100% funding, while others may receive partial funding depending on property type and energy efficiency rating.
How to apply:
What it is: ECO4 is a government requirement for energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable households. It runs until March 2026 and covers loft insulation alongside wall insulation, heating upgrades, and other measures.
Who can apply:
Other upgrades included: ECO4 can also cover cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, boiler replacements, and heating control systems.
How to apply:
What they are: Many councils run their own loft insulation grant schemes, often to support households who do not qualify for GBIS or ECO4. Examples include Warm Homes in England, Warmer Homes Scotland, and Nest in Wales.
When they can help: Local schemes may offer partial or full funding, especially for households in fuel poverty or properties with poor EPC ratings.
How to check availability:
Every loft insulation grant has its own rules, but most schemes look at your income, the type of home you live in, and its current energy rating. Meeting these requirements is the first step to securing funding.
While each loft insulation grant has its own rules, most share a few core criteria. These cover your home’s energy rating, council tax band, ownership status, and household income. Understanding these up front will help you work out which scheme you can apply for and avoid wasting time on options that won’t fit your situation.
EPC rating: Many grants, such as GBIS, require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band D or lower. This ensures funding is targeted at homes that will benefit most from improved insulation.
Council tax band: For GBIS, homes in England must be in Council Tax Bands A–D. In Scotland and Wales, the limit is Bands A-E.
Ownership and tenancy: Both homeowners and private tenants can apply, but tenants will need their landlord’s consent before work begins.
Income and benefits: ECO4 is focused on low-income households earning less than £31,000 a year, or those receiving qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Tax Credits.
A side extension utilises the often-underused area beside a property, expanding the home's width. This can create additional rooms or enlarge existing ones. Planning permission is typically required, and considerations include access routes and the potential impact on neighbouring properties.
Grants vary by scheme, but most will fund the key elements needed to bring your loft up to modern energy efficiency standards. This can mean starting from scratch or improving what you already have.
Grants vary by scheme, but most will fund the key elements needed to bring your loft up to modern energy efficiency standards. This can mean starting from scratch or improving what you already have.
Funding can cover the cost of adding insulation to a loft with no existing material or upgrading older insulation that falls short of current requirements. Even partially insulated lofts may qualify if the depth is below the standard.
Schemes aim to bring insulation up to the UK’s recommended 270mm depth, ensuring maximum heat retention and long-term savings.
If you are eligible, an approved installer will carry out a free survey to assess your loft. The installation itself is completed by trained professionals using certified materials, giving you a guaranteed standard of work.
Better loft insulation cuts heat loss, keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and can save up to £620 a year on heating bills. It can also improve your EPC rating and add value to your property.
Not all homes or loft types are eligible for funding, and each scheme has its own rules. Knowing the common restrictions can save time before you apply.
If your loft is already converted into a living space, it will not usually qualify for insulation grants through GBIS or ECO4. These schemes focus on unconverted lofts, and building regulations for habitable rooms apply instead.
Some schemes exclude social housing or recently built homes, as they are likely to meet current insulation standards.
Homes outside the required EPC bands or council tax limits for a grant scheme may not be eligible. If this applies to you, check with your local authority for alternative funding or partial subsidies.
