Green Homes Grant Scheme: Everything you need to know

Update: This scheme is now closed and no new applications can be submitted. Please take a look at our Windows and Doors Grants Hub for information on other schemes.

As part of the UK Government’s new Green Homes Grant Scheme, vouchers worth up to £10,000 will be given to homeowners and landlords to make their homes more energy efficient.

With the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, only announcing the scheme today (8th July 2020), there are lots of questions to be asked – and luckily, we have some of the answers.

We have compiled the top questions about the scheme and provided answers below, so that you know how the scheme works, and what it’s all about.

What is the Green Home Grants Scheme?

The Green Home Grants Scheme is a new scheme by the UK Government.

The aim of the scheme is to enable homeowners and landlords to upgrade their homes and properties with energy-saving features, such as insulation or double glazing, in order to reduce energy usage and improve the energy efficiency of a property.

What does the scheme provide?

Under the scheme, the UK Government will provide homeowners and landlords with vouchers worth up to a maximum of £10,000.

Most homeowners and landlords will receive vouchers up to £5,000, whilst those on low incomes will receive up to £10,000. But depending on which category you fall into, the scheme works slightly differently.

Which home improvements are covered through the grant?

The Green Homes Grant will cover a variety of energy saving home improvements.

A list of energy saving measures that are supported by the scheme has been released.

The measures are split into two parts – primary and secondary. Below is a broad list of the measures included, but these are subject to approval.

Primary measures

• Solid wall, under-floor, cavity wall, loft, flat roof, room in room, or roof insulation
• Air or ground source heat pumps
• Solar thermal

Secondary measures

• Double glazing, triple glazing, and secondary glazing
• Upgrading doors to energy efficient alternatives (replacement of doors fitted prior to 2002)
• Draught proofing
• Hot water tank/appliance tank thermostats/heating controls, as well as thermostatic radiator valves, smart heating controls, or zone controls

You can have one or more of the above under the scheme.

To qualify for the secondary measures, you must have one of the primary measures carried out and the cost of the secondary measures must not exceed that of the primary measure(s).

Are new double glazed windows and doors included?

Yes! It has now been confirmed that double glazing, triple glazing, and secondary glazing are measures included within the scheme.

Homeowners can only use the grant for these measures if upgrading from single glazing and if they are having one or more of the primary measures installed, as long as the cost of the double glazing does not exceed the cost of the primary measure.

This means that, as long as you meet the above criteria, you should be able to use the vouchers for:

• Double glazed windows
• Triple glazed windows
• Secondary glazing (helpful if in a conservation area where rules don’t permit adjustments to the look and feel of a property)
• Energy efficient doors

I already have double glazing or insulation in my house, can I still apply for the grant?

If you already have the above energy saving measures in your home, you might be wondering if you’re still eligible to use the grant.

This grant only covers new windows or doors if you have single glazing. It will not cover upgrading from double glazing to a more energy efficient double glazing.

I’ve already placed an order with a supplier, is this covered or should I cancel?

We have received this question quite a lot, and unfortunately, the details aren’t clear at the moment.

If you already have double glazing in your home and are looking at just having it replaced, don’t cancel. This scheme does not cover upgrades to existing double glazing.

For other energy saving measures, the best way forward is to look at the probability of being eligible.

Energy saving measures that include insulating your home are the main points of the scheme. If your home lacks insulation, it’s likely that you will be able to make use of the grant.

But if your home is insulated, and has double glazing already installed, it’s much less likely you will be eligible for the grant.

Either way, we wouldn’t recommend cancelling any home improvement project, as there’s currently no guarantee you would be eligible.

Cancelling or placing projects on-hold could delay the works, only for you to be disappointed if you later find out the project is not eligible.

Nonetheless, every project is different and we recommend you keep checking back here regularly for any updates.

Am I eligible for the Green Homes Grant Scheme?

Exact details on the eligibility criteria has not yet been released by the Treasury, but we expect that most homeowners and landlords will be covered in some capacity.

To get the voucher, you will be shown the energy efficiency measures that the voucher can be used for. All you then have to do is obtain a quote from an accredited supplier (see “Which companies are accredited suppliers?”).

Once you have received your quote and the type of work is approved, the voucher will be issued.

For those who aren’t class as being on a low income, the vouchers will be worth up to a maximum of £5,000, and can only cover 2/3 of the total cost.

For those on a low income, the vouchers are worth up to £10,000 and can cover 100% of the cost.

How do I apply for a Green Homes Grant?

Applications for the Green Homes Grant Scheme will open in September and will take place via the Simple Energy Advice website. But you will need to obtain a quote from an approved installer.

The Simple Energy Advice (SEA) website will recommend some suitable home improvements to you. You will then need to obtain a quote from a local company who is TrustMark registered or MCS certified.The SEA website can also show you local companies.

If the works are deemed suitable, a voucher will be issued to you.

If you are looking for a quote for double glazing, we can help put you in touch with a local installer. You can get an online window quote or online door quote. After obtaining a quote, you will be given the contact details of your local installer so that you can enquire about their TrustMark or MCS status.

From September, it will be possible to apply for the grant online.

When does the scheme end?

The Green Homes Grant scheme is due to end in March 2021. It will run for a total of six months, from September 2020 to March 2021.

Should I use a Green Homes Grant?

If you meet the eligibility criteria, we would recommend most homeowners make use of the grant.

Installing energy saving measures into your home can help to lower energy bills, saving you money each month, whilst also helping the environment.

The scheme is designed with the aim of lowering energy bills, while at the same time creating more jobs for the UK economy, touted as “green jobs”.

If you would like to prepare to make use of the scheme, our online quote tool will allow you to generate an estimation of cost for new windows and doors in your home. Start an online double glazing quote.

Which companies are accredited suppliers?

TrustMark Registered Business or MCS Certified tradespeople should count as an accredited supplier under the Green Homes Grant scheme, but installers do have additional requirements they must follow – so make sure to check with them.

Many local businesses are registered under one of the above schemes. So be sure to look around in your local area for insulation and double glazing companies who may be able to help.

You can find local installers for double glazing online on our website, and then you can ask if they are TrustMark registered or MCS certified.

Installers included in the scheme will be listed on the Simple Energy Advice website.

Are there other home improvement grants available?

At the Double Glazing Network, we keep abreast of all the latest developments in home improvements.

We have a comprehensive page that goes into detail about the grants available for home improvements, including windows and doors. You might remember the Green Deal Scheme!

You can find out about other double glazing grants here.

Frequently Asked Questions