Homeowner Grants in Essex

If you’re planning to build a new home or renovate your existing property in Essex, there are several local grants and schemes available to help with costs and improve energy efficiency.

In this article we cover:

• Financial support and grants for Essex homeowners building or renovating
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: help with heat pumps and biomass boiler costs
• Great British Insulation Scheme: cuts energy bills for eligible homes
• Warm Homes: Local Grant: energy-saving upgrades for mains gas and off-gas homes
• Essex local council supports for vulnerable residents and energy upgrades

Available Grants and Financial Supports in Essex

Warm Homes: Local Grant

• Provides free energy saving upgrades for low income, mains gas or off grid households.
• Energy performance upgrades: up to £15,000 for insulation, draughtproofing, double/triple glazing, solar PV and battery storage – aiming to reach EPC Band C.
• Low carbon heating: up to £15,000 for air or ground source heat pumps, particularly for off grid homes using oil or coal.
• Check your eligibility and apply via the GOV.UK Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme
• Scheme starts April 2025. Date TBC.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

• Receive up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump, or £5,000 for a biomass boiler.
• Aims to help homeowners switch to low-carbon heating solutions.
• Find out more and apply through the GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
• More information from Essex County Council

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

• Offers free or discounted insulation for homes with an EPC rating of D or below, and Council Tax bands A–D.
• Designed to lower energy bills and improve home comfort.
• Check eligibility and apply via the GOV.UK Great British Insulation Scheme  
• More information from Essex County Council GBIS page.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

• Provide funding for energy efficiency measures like insulation and heating upgrades.
• Targeted at low-income and vulnerable households.
• Administered through local authorities and energy suppliers.
• Details: Essex County Council.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

• Assists with the cost of adapting homes for disabled residents, including installing ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms.
• Available through local district councils.
• Example: Braintree District Council

Healthy Homes Loan

• Provides interest-free, means tested loans for essential home repairs to ensure properties are safe and habitable.
• Offered by Chelmsford City Council to eligible homeowners.
• More information: Chelmsford City Council Healthy Homes Loan scheme.

Private Lease Agreement Converting Empties (PLACE) Empty Homes Loan

• Interest-free loans up to £50,000 per property unit (maximum £175,000) to renovate or convert long-term empty homes.
• Scheme is open to owners looking to bring properties back into use in the following council areas: Chelmsford City Council, East Herts District Council, Epping Forest District Council, Harlow Council, Hertsmere Borough Council and Uttlesford District Council.
• For example: Chelmsford City Council PLACE Empty Homes Loan Scheme.

Local councils in Essex may offer other grants and assistance programmes tailored to specific needs, such as energy efficiency improvements, home adaptations or financial support during emergencies. It’s advisable to check with your local district or borough council for the most current information.

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