How the Great British Insulation Scheme works for landlords in 2026
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is the primary government-funded route for landlords seeking insulation grants in 2026, having replaced the earlier ECO+ scheme. It is designed to improve the energy efficiency of the least efficient homes by funding insulation measures directly through energy suppliers.
Landlords can get insulation grants of £1,500–£6,000 per property through the Great British Insulation Scheme in 2026. Full funding applies if your tenant is on a qualifying benefit. Check eligibility before March 2026.
- GBIS covers cavity, loft, underfloor, and solid-wall insulation for EPC D or below.
- Grants are paid directly to MCS-certified installers, not as cash to landlords.
- Tenant must be on a qualifying benefit for full funding; partial contribution otherwise.
- Property must be in Council Tax bands A–D in England or A–E in Scotland/Wales.
- No grant if previous government-funded insulation was installed within the last 5 years.
- How the Great British Insulation Scheme works for landlords in 2026
- Eligibility criteria landlords must meet for the insulation grant
- Quick numbers — insulation grant costs, savings, and limits for landlords
- What the insulation grant covers for landlords — the exact measures
- How to find and verify an MCS-certified installer for the grant
- The direct answer — can a landlord get an insulation grant in the UK in 2026?
- What the insulation grant does NOT cover for landlords
The scheme covers cavity-wall, loft, underfloor, and solid-wall insulation for privately rented properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. Landlords must use an installer who is certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and registered with one of the scheme’s delivery partners, such as British Gas, E.ON, or Octopus. The grant is paid directly to the installer, meaning landlords do not receive cash but instead pay a reduced price or, in many cases, nothing upfront (GOV.UK, 2026).
Eligibility criteria landlords must meet for the insulation grant
To qualify, the property must be privately rented and have a valid EPC certificate dated within the last ten years showing a rating of D, E, F, or G. The property must also be in Council Tax bands A–D in England, or A–E in Scotland and Wales, though local variations apply (GOV.UK, 2026).
The grant is means-tested via the household’s income. If the tenant is receiving a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, the grant is fully funded. If the tenant does not meet the benefit criteria, a partial contribution may be required from the landlord. Landlords cannot apply if the property already has insulation meeting current building regulations or if a previous government-funded insulation measure was installed in the last five years (Ofgem, 2026).
Quick numbers — insulation grant costs, savings, and limits for landlords
| Insulation measure | Average grant-covered cost per property | Typical annual energy saving | EPC point improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation (270mm top-up) | £400–£700 | £180–£250 | 1–2 bands |
| Cavity-wall insulation | £800–£1,200 | £250–£400 | 1–3 bands |
| Solid-wall insulation (internal) | £2,500–£4,000 | £300–£500 | 2–4 bands |
| Solid-wall insulation (external) | £5,000–£8,000 | £350–£550 | 2–4 bands |
| Underfloor insulation | £1,200–£2,000 | £100–£200 | 1 band |
These figures are based on Energy Saving Trust cost tables and DESNZ scheme data for 2026 (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Actual costs vary by property size and installer rates.
What the insulation grant covers for landlords — the exact measures
The grant covers loft insulation up to 270mm thickness, including top-up if existing insulation is below 100mm. Cavity-wall insulation fills empty cavities in brick or block walls but excludes timber-frame or stone walls. Solid-wall insulation, either internal or external, is covered up to 50% of the cost for properties with solid walls. Underfloor insulation is limited to ground floors, whether suspended timber or concrete (Ofgem, 2026).
All measures must be installed to MCS standards and meet current building regulations. The installer will assess the property before work begins to confirm which measures are suitable and cost-effective.
How to find and verify an MCS-certified installer for the grant
Landlords must use an installer registered on the MCS database, which can be checked at mcscertified.com. The installer must also be TrustMark registered, providing consumer protection and warranty cover for the work (MCS, 2026; TrustMark, 2026).
It is advisable to verify that the installer is a delivery partner for a major energy supplier such as British Gas, EDF, or Scottish Power, as these suppliers handle the grant claim with Ofgem. Landlords should ask for a written quote that clearly shows the grant reduction and confirms the installer will manage all paperwork. How to choose an insulation installer
Can a landlord get an insulation grant in the UK in 2026?
Yes, a landlord can get an insulation grant in 2026 through the Great British Insulation Scheme, provided the property has an EPC rating of D or below and the tenant meets the income or benefit criteria. The grant covers full or partial installation costs for loft, cavity-wall, solid-wall, and underfloor insulation, with no repayment required. Landlords must use a registered MCS installer and ensure the property is not already insulated to modern standards. The grant is not available for buy-to-let properties where the property is vacant—the tenant must be in residence and eligible (GOV.UK, 2026).
What the insulation grant does NOT cover for landlords
The grant does not cover insulation in new-build properties constructed after 2010 or those with an EPC rating of C or above. It also excludes holiday lets, student halls of residence, and properties where the landlord is the sole occupant. Secondary measures such as draught-proofing or heating controls are not included under GBIS for landlords in 2026. Additionally, the grant does not cover the removal of existing insulation, such as dealing with asbestos or damp issues, before installation—landlords must pay for this separately (DESNZ, 2026; Ofgem, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is the main grant for landlords in 2026, replacing ECO+. It funds cavity, loft, underfloor, and solid-wall insulation for privately rented homes with an EPC rating of D or below, as confirmed by GOV.UK.
GBIS covers the full cost if the tenant receives a qualifying benefit like Universal Credit. If not, landlords may need a partial contribution. The grant is paid directly to the installer, so upfront costs are reduced or zero.
Landlords qualify if the property is privately rented, has an EPC rating of D or below, and is in Council Tax bands A–D in England or A–E in Scotland and Wales. The tenant must meet income criteria, as per Ofgem 2026 rules.
Yes, GBIS covers solid-wall insulation for eligible privately rented properties. The same eligibility criteria apply: EPC D or below, Council Tax band limits, and tenant income check. Contact a registered delivery partner like British Gas or E.ON.
GBIS runs until March 2026 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Landlords should apply promptly through an MCS-certified installer registered with a delivery partner like Octopus or E.ON.
