Can I Get a BUS Grant for a New Build?

Can You Get a BUS Grant for a New Build?

Usually no, most standard new-build homes do not qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme because the scheme is mainly aimed at replacing existing fossil-fuel heating in existing properties. GOV.UK and Ofgem scheme guidance make it clear that eligibility is narrower than many homeowners assume, so “new build” is one of the first things to check before expecting the £7,500 support.

That is why this question needs a rules-based answer, not guesswork from developers or forums.

For the main grant rules, read our BUS grant guide, heat pump grants and schemes article, and heat pump cost guide.

Why Are Most New Builds Excluded?

Most new builds are excluded because policy logic expects new homes to be designed around compliant low-carbon standards from the start rather than subsidised after the fact. The Future Homes Standard direction and wider UK decarbonisation policy both push new homes away from fossil-fuel heating without needing the BUS grant to make that basic design decision.

The practical logic is:

1. Existing homes need retrofit support.
2. New homes should already be built to newer standards.
3. Grant money is targeted at replacement, not routine new-build specification.

So the scheme is about retrofit, not general new-build cost support.

Are There Any Edge Cases?

Yes, there can be edge cases, but they should be checked carefully rather than assumed. The details depend on how the property is classified and whether it fits Ofgem’s rules in a way that is not a standard speculative new-build case.

That is why homeowners and small developers should not rely on informal advice. The scheme rules need to be checked properly before the financial model is built around them.

What Does This Mean in London, Surrey, and TW Projects?

In London, Surrey, and TW areas, this usually matters most for self-builders, one-off homes, or small development projects rather than for normal volume-housebuilder stock. Local project economics can still work without the BUS grant, but the route should be priced honestly from the start.

The key point is that new-build heat pumps are still often the right heating choice even when the BUS grant is not available.

How Electromatic Can Help

If you are building a new home and want to know whether the BUS grant is realistically in play, Electromatic can check the project route and explain whether the house is likely to qualify or whether it should be priced without that assumption. That avoids budgeting around grant support that may never apply.

Electromatic works under MCS certification via our accredited umbrella partner and handles BUS grant applications for eligible installations, subject to eligibility. Book your free home survey →

Call us: 07718 059 284 | Email: admin@electromatic.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Are new builds eligible for the BUS grant?

Usually no. Most standard new-build homes do not qualify under the scheme rules.

Can self-build homes ever qualify?

Sometimes edge cases may need checking, but you should verify the rules carefully before assuming support is available.

Does a new home still need a heat pump if the grant is not available?

Often yes. The grant and the suitability of low-carbon heating are related but separate questions.

Is the BUS grant only for existing homes?

In practical terms, that is usually how homeowners should think about it, although exact scheme rules should always be checked.

Should a developer budget for the BUS grant in a new build?

Usually no, unless eligibility has been confirmed clearly and formally.

The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, legal, or technical advice. Energy savings estimates are based on typical UK household data from the Energy Saving Trust and Ofgem (April 2026 price cap). Actual savings depend on your property type, insulation levels, energy usage patterns, and electricity tariff. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of £7,500 is subject to eligibility criteria set by Ofgem — not all properties qualify. Electromatic M&E Ltd operates under MCS certification via an accredited umbrella partner. All installations comply with Building Regulations Part L and MCS standards. E&OE.

Written by Electromatic M&E Ltd — ASHP & Solar installer, London & Surrey (electromatic.uk)

Last updated: April 2026 | Electromatic M&E Ltd, Company No. 13837345