Grants For Insulation in 2025 - What’s Available and How to Apply
- Matthew Driver
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
Updated - 2025
If you’re looking to cut energy bills and make your home warmer, insulation is one of the fastest, most cost-effective wins. The good news is there are still government-backed schemes and supplier programmes that help pay for loft, wall and roof insulation — but the landscape has changed since 2022. This guide explains the main options in 2025, who’s likely to qualify, and practical steps to apply.
The headline schemes (2025)
Energy Company Obligation Grants (ECO / ECO4) — continues to fund insulation and heating upgrades for low-income and vulnerable households via obligated energy suppliers. ECO remains a primary route for free loft insulation through approved installers. Ofgem
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) — a government programme administered by Ofgem that targets the least efficient homes to deliver insulation measures nationwide. Check eligibility and applications via the official GBIS information. Ofgem
Warm Homes: Local Grant (England) — launched in April 2025 to provide larger grants for low-income households (covers insulation, glazing and low-carbon heating upgrades) in qualifying areas. Local authorities administer the programme. GOV.UK
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) & Local Authority Delivery (LAD) — are local authority programmes that have been used to fund insulation and heating upgrades in lower-EPC homes; results and funding have continued into 2024–25 in many areas. Check your council’s scheme details. GOV.UK
Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland — devolved schemes still operate:
Scotland: Warmer Homes Scotland (advice and grants for loft/wall insulation, heating and renewable tech). MyGov Scotland
Wales: Nest / Warm Homes Programme provides tailored packages for eligible households (insulation, boilers, PV, etc.). GOV.WALES
Northern Ireland: Affordable Warmth Scheme funds insulation and heating upgrades for eligible low-income households. nihe.gov.uk
Who’s likely to qualify?
Eligibility rules vary by scheme but commonly include combinations of:
Household income thresholds or receipt of certain means-tested benefits.
Property energy efficiency — many schemes target homes with low EPC ratings (D, E, F, G).
Owner-occupiers and some private tenants (landlord permission usually required).
Geographic targeting — some grants are delivered via local authorities and depend on postcode.
Because criteria differ between schemes and change over time, always use the official checkers (your energy supplier or local authority site and gov.uk/Ofgem pages) before applying. Ofgem+1
What measures are commonly funded?
Most schemes prioritise the most cost-effective, high-impact measures:
Loft insulation (top-ups to recommended depth)
Cavity wall insulation
Solid wall insulation (where technically suitable)
Heating upgrades / boiler replacement (where relevant)
Draught-proofing, cylinder jackets and ventilation works
Some larger grants also fund low-carbon heating (heat pumps) and solar PV where the scheme allows. Ofgem+1
Practical steps to get support for loft insulation
Check eligibility online — use the government pages, your energy supplier’s ECO portal, or local authority grant pages (Warm Homes, GBIS, HUG/LAD). GOV.UK+1
Get a survey from an approved installer — most schemes require an energy survey and installer assessment to confirm technical feasibility.
Ask about scope — confirm whether the funding covers the full cost (many schemes will cover measures fully for eligible households) or a contribution is required.
Don’t compress the insulation — installers should ensure the final installed depth (in the UK commonly around 270mm for mineral wool where recommended) is maintained and not squashed under storage boards or walkways.
If you need storage, raised boarding is required — if you want a usable loft after installing insulation, request a raised boarding solution (e.g., Loft Legs) so insulation depth is not compromised. (Insulation performance can drop substantially if compressed.)
Quick tips & pitfalls
Act fast — many local authority and government-administered funds have limited allocations and work on a first-come, first-served basis. (Warm Homes Local Grant opened in April 2025, for example.)
Use approved installers only — schemes require accredited installers who will issue the necessary paperwork to evidence the work for the grant provider.
Check the small print on other funding — some measures (e.g., boiler grants) have separate voucher conditions (Boiler Upgrade Scheme, HUG etc.).
Keep photos & certificates — for warranty, future sales and EPC updates, keep the installation report and any certificates you receive.
If you can’t get a grant
Insulation remains a cost-effective retrofit even without grant aid:
DIY loft insulation top-ups are feasible for competent homeowners (mineral wool quilt or fibre glass quilt) and can pay back quickly in lower energy bills.
If you need storage, use raised decking (Loft Legs / Loft Leg XL style supports) so insulation isn’t squashed and retains its R-value.
Shop around — some local installers offer financing, seasonal discounts or package deals that reduce upfront cost.
Sources & further reading
Official scheme pages and guidance are the best places to confirm eligibility and apply:
Ofgem — Great British Insulation Scheme info. Ofgem
GOV.UK — apply for Warm Homes: Local Grant (England). GOV.UK
ECO4 information and admin details. Ofgem
Warmer Homes Scotland — eligibility and measures. MyGov Scotland
Northern Ireland Affordable Warmth Scheme. nihe.gov.uk
For more loft insulation and storage advice visit us at www.loftleg.com/blog