What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is a UK Government programme designed to help improve 5 million homes across the country.
The Government has set aside £5 billion to support home improvements that can make homes warmer, more energy efficient, and better prepared for the future. The aim is to help reduce carbon emissions and support the UK’s journey towards net zero.
What does “retrofit” mean?
Retrofit is the name used for improvements made to an existing home to increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and help the property cope with a changing climate.
Retrofit improvements can include:
- Insulation
- New windows and doors
- Solar panels (solar PV)
- Heat pumps
- Other energy saving upgrades
For households that can afford to contribute towards the cost of improvements, the Government has allocated £1.7 billion for lending schemes. These schemes are intended to reduce upfront costs and make upgrades such as solar panels, heat pumps, and insulation more affordable.
For households that qualify for financial support, schemes such as the Warm Homes: Local Grant and Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) may provide partly funded or fully funded home improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Warm Homes Plan
Why has the Government introduced the Warm Homes Plan?
The Government and the Energy Saving Trust say the Warm Homes Plan will help homeowners access finance for energy efficiency improvements.
The goal is to help more households make improvements that could:
- Lower energy bills
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Create warmer, more comfortable homes
This could make energy saving improvements more accessible for homeowners who do not qualify for government grants but still need support with upfront costs.
When will the Warm Homes Plan start?
In January 2026, the Government announced the Warm Homes Plan and its ambition to upgrade 5 million homes across the UK.
More details about timescales, eligibility, and how to apply are expected to be confirmed later in 2026.
How do homeowners get funding through the Warm Homes Plan?
The application process for Warm Homes Plan funding has not yet been announced.
The Government is expected to provide further details later in 2026, including how homeowners can apply.
Would I receive a grant or a loan?
That depends on your circumstances.
Households applying for grant funding are expected to be means tested. This helps ensure that support is targeted towards lower income households that need help with the cost of home improvements.
Homeowners who do not qualify for grants and fall into the Government’s “able to pay” category are expected to be offered access to lending options supported by Government backed initiatives.
These lending schemes are intended to make upfront costs more manageable. Some high street banks already offer green home improvement loans for eligible homeowners.
How do I apply for a Warm Homes Plan grant?
The Government has not yet released details of the application process.
Instructions on how to apply for Warm Homes Plan funding are expected later in 2026.
How can landlords apply for the Warm Homes Plan?
The application process for landlords has not yet been announced.
Further guidance is expected later in 2026.
Landlords should also be aware of proposed changes to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements.
Current proposals suggest that from 1 October 2030, privately rented homes in England and Wales should achieve an EPC rating of Band C or above, unless an exemption applies.
You can read more about upcoming EPC changes for landlords in our dedicated landlord guide. EPC changes for landlords.
Where does the funding come from?
The Warm Homes Plan is funded directly through Government spending and grants.
This is different from some previous schemes, such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which were funded through energy bills.
Source: UK Government https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warm-homes-plan/warm-homes-plan-html
Is there eligibility criteria for the Warm Homes Plan?
For the Warm Homes: Local Grant, which forms part of the wider Warm Homes Plan, your property must be located in England and meet certain property and financial eligibility requirements.
The eligibility criteria for the wider national Warm Homes Plan have not yet been announced.
What EPC rating should I have?
Homeowners are not legally required to achieve a specific EPC rating.
However, an EPC Band C or above is generally considered a good target for energy efficiency.
The purpose of the Warm Homes Plan is to improve the energy performance of homes across the UK. EPC ratings may be used to help homeowners understand their home’s current energy performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Is there a grant limit for homeowners?
The Warm Homes: Local Grant currently has a funding cap of £30,000 per eligible property.
However, the Government has not yet confirmed whether similar funding limits or caps will apply to the wider national Warm Homes Plan.
Is there a waiting list for the Warm Homes Plan?
At the moment, there is no waiting list because the national Warm Homes Plan application process has not yet opened.
Launch dates and application details are still to be announced by the Government.
What if I’m not eligible?
If you do not qualify for a grant through the Warm Homes Plan, you may still have options.
The Government has set aside funding to support homeowners who are able to contribute towards the cost of improvements but may need help with the upfront expense.
This could include funding and lending options to support energy efficiency improvements.
Some banks and local authority backed schemes already offer finance for upgrades such as:
- Solar panels
- Heat pumps
- Insulation
- New windows and doors
If you’re unsure what support may be available, it’s worth checking with your local council or speaking to a trusted home improvement finance provider.
Even if you are not eligible for a grant, there may still be ways to spread the cost of making your home warmer, healthier, and cheaper to run.
What if I’m on Universal Credit?
If you receive Universal Credit, you may be eligible for grant funding through some government backed schemes.
Eligibility rules vary between schemes and may depend on factors such as:
- Your household income
- The benefits you receive
- Your property’s energy efficiency
- Where you live
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is one scheme that may provide support for qualifying households, although eligibility criteria can vary between local areas.
As more details about the Warm Homes Plan become available, the Government is expected to confirm exactly who can apply and what support will be available.
If you receive Universal Credit and are interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, it may be worth checking what local grants and schemes are already available in your area.
Conclusion
The Warm Homes Plan is one of the Government’s biggest commitments to improving the UK’s housing stock, with the aim of helping millions of households live in warmer, more energy efficient homes.
While many details are still to be confirmed, the plan is expected to offer a mix of grants and affordable finance options to help homeowners reduce energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and make their homes more comfortable.
As more information is announced, homeowners should have a clearer picture of what support is available and how to apply.
For now, understanding your home’s energy performance and the improvements you may want to make is a good place to start.
Need advice about the Warm Homes Plan?
Understanding grants, loans, eligibility criteria, and energy efficiency improvements can feel overwhelming.
If you’re thinking about making improvements to your home but aren’t sure where to begin, getting independent advice can help you understand your options and what support may be available.
At Lendology, we help homeowners explore affordable ways to improve their homes, from essential repairs through to energy efficiency upgrades.
Our friendly team can talk you through the options available and help you understand what might work best for your circumstances.
Get in touch to learn more about improving your home and making it warmer, safer, and more energy efficient.
