Home Improvement Grant

Free or Low-Cost Insulation Through Home Improvement Grants

If your home is cold and draughty or your energy bills keep rising no matter how careful you are, you might be wondering what you can do, without spending a small fortune. The answer for many UK households in 2025 is insulation. And even better? There are home improvement grants available that could cover the cost for you.

We help you find the right grants for home improvement so you can insulate your home quickly, affordably, and with minimal hassle. Here’s everything you need to know in one simple guide.

Why Is Insulation So Important?

Let’s start with the basics. Insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It stops heat from escaping through your walls, roof, and floors, meaning your home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer, without relying as much on heating or air conditioning.

Proper insulation can:

  • Lower your energy bills

  • Keep your home more comfortable year-round

  • Improve your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating

  • Reduce your carbon footprint

  • Add value to your property

And with the right grant for home renovation, you might not even need to pay for it yourself.

What Grants for Home Improvement Cover Insulation?

There are several key government-backed schemes in 2025 that focus specifically on insulation. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available now.

What Is the Great British Insulation Scheme?

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is designed to help households get basic insulation upgrades. It’s one of the most accessible home improvement grants currently available.

Who qualifies?

You may be eligible if your home is in Council Tax band A–D in England (A–E in Scotland and Wales). You don’t necessarily need to be receiving benefits; many working households qualify.

What does it cover?

  • Loft insulation

  • Cavity wall insulation

  • Solid wall insulation

  • Floor insulation (in some cases)

How much does it cost?

Most eligible households will receive the upgrade completely free. Some may be asked to pay a small contribution.

Note: GBIS usually funds one insulation measure per property, but in cases of severe need (very low income, vulnerable health conditions), you may be considered for additional upgrades.

What Does the ECO4 Scheme Offer?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is another long-standing option for grants for home improvement. It focuses on households that are struggling with high energy costs and poor EPC ratings.

Who’s eligible?

  • Households receiving specific benefits

  • Homes with an EPC rating of D to G

  • Households nominated by local councils under “flexible eligibility”

What does it cover?

  • Cavity and loft insulation

  • Solid wall and room-in-roof insulation

  • Heating system upgrades (when necessary)

ECO4 works through major energy suppliers, and you’ll need to use a registered installer. If you’re in private rented accommodation, your landlord will need to give permission.

Can I Still Apply for the Home Upgrade Grant?

Yes, though availability depends on where you live. The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) is aimed at homes that aren’t connected to the mains gas grid and typically rely on electric or oil heating.

Who qualifies?

Low-income households living off the gas grid with poor energy ratings.

What does it cover?

  • Loft, floor, and wall insulation

  • Other low-carbon upgrades (like heat pumps or solar panels)

Important: HUG is managed by local councils and energy hubs. Some areas may have already used up their funding, so it’s essential to check with your local authority about availability and application deadlines.

What About New Grants Coming in 2025?

A new scheme called the Warm Homes: Local Grant is expected to launch later this year. It’s designed to give local councils even more control over how energy-efficiency upgrades are delivered in their communities.

While full details are still being confirmed, the grant will likely support insulation, heating improvements, and possibly renewable energy systems. Keep an eye on announcements from your local authority or GOV.UK for updates.

What Types of Insulation Are Covered?

Here’s a look at the most common insulation types funded by UK grant schemes:

  • Loft insulation – Great for stopping heat loss through your roof

  • Cavity wall insulation – Ideal for post-1920s homes with cavity walls

  • Solid wall insulation – Used for older homes without a cavity gap

  • Underfloor insulation – Helps seal draughts and save energy on ground floors

  • Room-in-roof insulation – For attic bedrooms or converted loft spaces

The type of insulation you need will depend on your home’s structure and what’s already in place.

Am I Eligible for a Grant for Home Renovation?

You may be eligible if:

  • You receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit

  • Your household income is below the qualifying threshold

  • Your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G

  • You live in Council Tax bands A–D (A–E in some regions)

  • You live in a home off the gas grid (for HUG)

  • You are a homeowner or a private tenant (with landlord approval)

Don’t assume you won’t qualify, it’s worth checking even if you’re not on benefits. Some schemes also allow local councils to refer households based on vulnerability or fuel poverty risk.

How Do I Apply for an Insulation Grant?

Applying is easy when you work with a trusted provider like Free Insulation UK. Here’s how it works:

  1. Start with our free eligibility checker – it’s quick and gives you an instant idea of what you might qualify for.

  2. We match you with a local certified installer approved under government-backed schemes.

  3. A free home survey is arranged to assess what type of insulation is needed.

  4. Your installer handles the paperwork and submits the grant application for you.

  5. Your insulation is installed, either free or for a small subsidised cost.

We’ll guide you through every step, and you won’t need to deal with the admin.

Anything Else I Should Know?

Yes! Here are a few final tips before you apply:

  • Check with your local council for the latest information on schemes like HUG or the Warm Homes grant.

  • Apply early; some grants have limited funds and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Make sure your installer is certified under TrustMark or MCS to ensure your upgrade qualifies for funding.

  • Always double-check closure dates, especially for region-specific grants like HUG, as funding can run out quickly.

Ready to Apply for a Home Improvement Grant?

If you’re planning to make your home more energy-efficient, now is the time. With the wide range of home improvement grants available in 2025, you could insulate your home for free or at a fraction of the usual cost.

Free Insulation UK take the stress out of the process. Whether you’re looking for a grant for home renovation or need help finding out which grants for home improvement you’re eligible for, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Check your eligibility now and start your journey toward a warmer, more affordable home.