Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility 2026: Do You Qualify for the Up to £9,000 Grant?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers eligible homeowners in England and Wales an up to £9,000 upfront grant towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump. This guide covers every eligibility criterion clearly, including property type, EPC requirements, heating system, landlord rules, and how Princes LHS handles the entire application on your behalf as your approved MCS-accredited BUS installer in Shropshire.
- Approved BUS Installer
- We Handle Your Entire Application
- Up to £9,000 Deducted From Your Invoice
How Suitable Is the Typical Shropshire Home?
Based on properties surveyed by Princes LHS across Shropshire and North Wales.
You own your property
Owner-occupiers and landlords in England or Wales both qualify.
You have a fossil fuel or electric heating system, or no wet central heating
Gas, oil, LPG, direct electric heating, storage heaters and panel heaters can all qualify. Properties without an existing wet central heating system may also be eligible, including homes currently heated by electric heaters only.
Your property has a valid EPC
Since May 2024, outstanding insulation recommendations on your EPC no longer block your BUS application.
You have not previously received a BUS grant
One grant per property. Previous RHI recipients may still be eligible.
Your property is not a new build
New builds do not qualify. Existing properties only.
Tick all five? You most likely qualify. Confirm your eligibility free with our team.
The up to £9,000 BUS grant is available now but subject to government review.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is funded by the UK Government, and the current grant amount is not guaranteed indefinitely. Homeowners who confirm eligibility and proceed now secure the full up to £9,000 while it remains available at this level.
About the Scheme
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and How Does It Work?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a UK Government initiative designed to help homeowners in England and Wales replace fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives such as air source heat pumps. The scheme is administered by Ofgem and delivered through MCS accredited installers like Princes LHS. Unlike previous government energy schemes, the BUS grant is paid directly to your installer, not to you. This means Princes LHS deducts the full up to £9,000 from your installation invoice before you pay a single penny. There is no cashback process, no lengthy waiting period and no complicated claims to manage. The grant is applied upfront, and the net cost of your ASHP installation is reduced from day one.
01
You confirm eligibility with Princes LHS
We check your EPC, property type, heating system and ownership status during a free 10-minute call. No forms to fill in, no charge, no obligation.
02
We survey your property and provide a fixed-price quote
One of our MCS accredited surveyors visits your Shropshire or North Wales property, carries out a heat loss calculation and provides a fixed-price quote with the up to £9,000 already deducted. See our full cost guide for typical figures.
03
We submit your BUS grant application to Ofgem
As your approved BUS installer, Princes LHS submits the full application to Ofgem on your behalf. You sign the relevant consent documents and we handle everything else.
04
Grant is approved and installation is booked
Once your grant is approved, we book your air source heat pump installation in Shropshire. Our in-house engineers typically complete the installation within 30 days of grant approval.
05
You pay only the net cost after the up to £9,000 grant
The up to £9,000 BUS grant is deducted from your final invoice. You pay only the remaining balance. MCS certification, building regulations notification and all documentation are provided as part of the installation.
Eligibility Criteria
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility: Who Qualifies and Who Does Not
The criteria below are set by Ofgem and apply across England and Wales. Princes LHS confirms your eligibility during your free initial call before any survey or commitment to proceed.
Eligible Qualifies for up to £9,000
- Owner-occupiers in England or Wales
- Landlords with properties in England or Wales
- Properties replacing a gas boiler
- Properties replacing an oil boiler
- Properties replacing an LPG boiler
- Properties replacing direct electric heating
- Properties heated by storage heaters or panel heaters
- Properties with no existing wet central heating system, subject to eligibility checks
- Existing properties, not newly built
- Properties that have not previously received a BUS grant
- Previous RHI recipients, subject to individual circumstances
- Self-builds and conversion projects, such as barn or chapel conversions into dwellings, subject to a more detailed application review
Not Eligible Does Not Qualify
- Properties in Scotland or Northern Ireland, where separate schemes apply
- Most new build properties
- Properties that have already received a BUS grant
- Renters, where the property owner is not applying
- Commercial properties that are not domestic dwellings
- Properties replacing an existing heat pump
Insulation recommendations shown on an EPC are no longer a barrier to BUS eligibility. Since May 2024, properties do not need to complete loft or cavity wall insulation upgrades before applying, although we would always recommend improving insulation wherever practical to improve system performance and reduce running costs.
EPC Requirements
Boiler Upgrade Scheme EPC Requirements: What You Need to Know
Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is one of the key documents reviewed as part of your Boiler Upgrade Scheme application. Understanding what Ofgem looks for helps avoid delays to your grant approval.
✅ EPC is acceptable for BUS if...
Your EPC is valid (within the last 10 years). The EPC rating itself (A to G) does not determine eligibility, and properties with lower ratings can still qualify.
Since May 2024, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation recommendations shown on an EPC no longer need to be completed in order to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Most properties with a valid EPC can proceed without needing to carry out insulation upgrades first.
⚠️ EPC needs attention if...
Your EPC has expired and is no longer valid. In this case, a new EPC will be required before your Boiler Upgrade Scheme application can proceed.
If your EPC includes insulation recommendations, these no longer prevent you from applying. However, improving insulation is still strongly recommended to improve comfort, reduce heat loss, and lower running costs.
We will review your EPC during your eligibility check and advise you clearly on the best next steps.
Princes LHS checks your EPC as the very first step of your eligibility call. If there are recommendations to address, we tell you clearly what needs doing and how long it will take — before you commit to anything. Start your free eligibility check here.
Heating System Eligibility
How Your Insulation Level Affects ASHP Performance and Running Costs
The BUS grant is specifically for replacing fossil fuel and electric heating systems with an air source heat pump in Shropshire or equivalent low-carbon alternative. The table below confirms eligibility by current heating type.
| Current Heating System | Eligible for BUS? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas boiler (mains gas) | Yes | |
| Oil boiler | Yes | Qualifies. Rural Shropshire properties on oil often see strong running cost savings after switching to an air source heat pump. |
| LPG boiler | Yes | Qualifies. LPG is typically one of the highest-cost fuels to replace, so savings can be significant. |
| Direct electric heating | Yes | Qualifies. This includes electric panel heaters and storage heaters. Homes heated by direct electric systems can often see some of the fastest payback periods. |
| Electric boiler | Yes | Qualifies. Electric boilers are generally treated in the same way as other electric heating systems under BUS rules. |
| No wet central heating system | Yes, in many cases | Properties without an existing wet central heating system may still qualify, including homes currently heated by storage heaters, panel heaters or other direct electric heating systems. Eligibility is confirmed during your free call. |
| Existing air source heat pump | No | BUS grants are not available for replacing an existing heat pump with a new heat pump. |
| Biomass boiler | Check | Eligibility depends on the property and application details. Contact us to discuss your specific circumstances. |
Important Restrictions
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Restrictions: Common Disqualifiers Explained
Understanding what disqualifies a property helps avoid wasted time. The most common reasons a BUS application is declined are listed below, along with what can be done in each case.
EPC Recommendations
Since May 2024, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation recommendations shown on an EPC no longer need to be completed before a Boiler Upgrade Scheme application can proceed. We still strongly recommend improving insulation where practical, as it helps system performance and reduces running costs, but it is no longer a condition of eligibility.
New Build Property
Properties built recently are excluded from the BUS, as they are expected to meet the Future Homes Standard and use low-carbon heating from the outset. If you are building a new property, speak to us about ASHP installation without the BUS grant.
Property Not in England or Wales
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales only. Scotland operates a separate scheme called the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan. Northern Ireland has its own arrangements. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.
Check Your Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility With Princes LHS
Our team will confirm your BUS grant eligibility in a free 10-minute call, no forms, no charge, no obligation. If you qualify, we book a free home survey and provide a fixed-price quote with the up to £9,000 grant already deducted.
- We confirm your EPC status and explain how the current insulation rules apply to your property
- We check your heating system qualifies under current BUS rules
- We confirm you have not previously received a BUS grant
- We give you a realistic timeline for your Shropshire or North Wales installation
Not sure whether you qualify? Most homeowners who enquire are eligible. Over 70% of properties in Shropshire and North Wales meet the BUS criteria. The quickest way to find out is to fill in the form and we will call you back.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility: Who Qualifies for the Up to £9,000 ASHP Grant?
Up to £9,000 Deducted Upfront – Not Paid as Cashback
The BUS grant is deducted directly from your air source heat pump installation cost. You pay the reduced price on day one.
We Handle Every Step of Your BUS Application.
As an approved Boiler Upgrade Scheme installer in Shropshire, Princes LHS manages the entire application. Check your BUS grant eligibility with us for free.
Over 70% of Shropshire Homes Qualify.
Homeowners in England and Wales who are replacing a fossil fuel or electric heating system may qualify for the full up to £9,000 grant. Eligibility takes around ten minutes to confirm.
Your Questions Answered
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility FAQs: Shropshire and North Wales
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme still available in 2026?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of up to £9,000 is available to eligible homeowners in England and Wales in 2026. The scheme is administered by Ofgem and funded by the UK Government.
The current grant amount is subject to government review, so homeowners who qualify are encouraged to proceed while the full up to £9,000 remains available.
Can I apply for the BUS grant if I am a landlord?
Yes. Landlords in England and Wales can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme provided the property meets the eligibility criteria – valid EPC with no outstanding insulation recommendations, fossil fuel or electric heating being replaced and no previous BUS grant received for that property. The application is made in the landlord’s name as the property owner.
I received RHI payments previously. Can I still apply for the BUS?
In many cases, yes. Previous recipients of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) may still be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, depending on your specific circumstances and the system currently installed. Princes LHS will check your eligibility during your free call and confirm whether your situation qualifies under the current BUS rules.
How long does it take to get the BUS grant approved? ▾
Ofgem typically processes BUS applications within a few weeks of submission by your approved installer. Princes LHS submits your application after your home survey and once you have agreed your fixed-price quote. We manage the submission and notify you once approval is confirmed. From first enquiry to completed installation, the typical timeline for Shropshire and North Wales properties is six to twelve weeks depending on survey availability and system specification.
Does the BUS grant cover the full cost of an air source heat pump? ▾
The up to £9,000 BUS grant significantly reduces the cost but does not typically cover the full installation. Total air source heat pump installation costs in Shropshire typically range from £10,000 to £15,000 before the grant, leaving a net cost of £1,000 to £7,500 for most homeowners.
Princes LHS also offers finance options for eligible customers to spread the remaining net cost. Ask our team for details when you enquire.
Do I need a new EPC to apply for the BUS grant?
Not necessarily. If your property already has a valid EPC (issued within the last 10 years) and it does not list loft or cavity wall insulation as outstanding recommendations, your existing certificate is acceptable. If it does list these recommendations, they must be addressed and evidenced before your BUS application can be submitted. Princes LHS checks your EPC status during your free eligibility call at no charge.
Do I need to upgrade insulation on my EPC to qualify for the BUS grant?
No. Since May 2024, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation recommendations on an EPC no longer need to be completed in order to qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. We would still always recommend improving insulation wherever possible to improve comfort, efficiency and running costs.
Can I qualify if I do not have central heating?
Yes, in many cases. Properties with no existing wet central heating system may still qualify, including homes currently heated by storage heaters, panel heaters or other direct electric heating systems. We confirm this during your free eligibility check.
Are self-builds and conversions eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Some self-builds and conversion projects, including barn conversions and chapel conversions into dwellings, may be eligible subject to a more detailed application review. These cases need to be checked carefully, and our team can advise you on the likely route forward.
Get in Touch
Ready to Confirm Your Up to £9,000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility?
Princes LHS are an approved BUS installer covering Shropshire, North Wales, Oswestry, Wrexham, Shrewsbury and Chester. Your eligibility check is free, takes 10 minutes and carries no obligation to proceed.
Related Guides From Princes LHS
Air Source Heat Pump Installation in Shropshire
Full overview of our MCS accredited ASHP service, the BUS grant process and why Princes LHS are Shropshire's most trusted installers.
Air Source Heat Pump Cost Shropshire 2026
Full cost breakdown including the up to £9,000 BUS grant, running costs vs oil and gas boilers, and payback periods for Shropshire properties.
Is My Home Suitable for an Air Source Heat Pump?
Radiators, insulation, property type and outdoor space — find out if your Shropshire or North Wales property is ready for ASHP.
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