Green Homes Grant: What is it and who's eligible?
Rishi Sunak has announced a new £2billion scheme to help make Britain’s homes more energy efficient. The Green Homes Grant began last month, so we thought we’d share what we know about the scheme and bring you up to date with all the details...of which there are many!
What is the Green Homes Grant scheme?
The Green Homes Grant scheme is a UK Government initiative aimed at homeowners and landlords looking to upgrade their properties’ energy efficiency.
Which home improvements are eligible for a Green Homes Grant?
There are a number of home improvements that fall under the Green Homes Grant umbrella, and they fall into two categories: Primary and secondary measures.
Primary measures:
· solid wall, under-floor, cavity wall or roof insulation
· air source or ground source heat pumps
· solar thermal
Secondary measures:
· Double glazing, triple glazing, and secondary glazing (only when replacing single glazing)
· Upgrading doors to energy efficient alternatives (only when replacing 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
How does the Green Homes Grant scheme work?
By this point, you’re probably wondering why there are two different categories. In short, the home improvements listed as secondary measures can only be applied for if you have also carried out improvements listed under the primary measures label. You can’t just apply for a grant for double glazing, for example.
How much can you claim?
While many of the headlines state that there is £10k up for grabs, this is only for those deemed to be on low income. For everyone else, the figure is actually capped at £5,000.
There’s further nuance to the deal, too. Those on low income will not have to contribute anything towards work covered by the Green Homes Grant, while those who fall outside of the required low income threshold will have to cover a third of the costs.
For example, insulation fitted at a cost of £3k means the government pays £2,010 and the homeowner £990, which is a pretty solid deal. The grant will be issued by way of vouchers and they will only be redeemable with accredited contractors.
The final thing to remember is that you will only be able to claim secondary measure cost up to the amount spent on primary home improvements. So you won’t be able to get £500 worth of insulation and subsequently claim £3,000 for double glazing, as it’ll be capped at the amount spent on the primary measure.
Who is entitled to Green Homes Grant vouchers?
If you are based in England and you’re an owner occupier or a private or social landlord, you can apply. This includes long leaseholders, homeowners, and those living in shared ownership properties.
The small print is a little vague, however. For example, new-build domestic properties and all non-domestic properties will not be covered by the scheme, but what defines ‘new build’ in this instance isn’t 100% clear at present.
Another thing to bear in mind is that if you are a leaseholder or have a share of freehold you will need to obtain permission from either the freeholder or those with whom you share the freehold.
Should you take advantage of the scheme?
If you are eligible and can cover your end of the costs, taking advantage of the Green Homes Grant is a no-brainer. Not only will you be able to lower your energy bills going forward, your property will also be more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell and move on. An improved EPC rating is something we should all strive for.
You’ll also potentially be helping the economy along the way with the creation of more ‘green jobs’ as a result of your upgrades, so you can feel good about that while enjoying cheaper energy bills at the same time.
Can you upgrade existing insulation or double glazing?
Unfortunately not. The fine print dictates that the Green Homes Grant isn’t going to cover property that already has existing insulation or double glazing, only those without insulation or single glazed windows.
You can, however, add extra insulation if your home isn’t currently sitting at the recommended level. These ‘top-ups’ will be covered by the Green Homes Grant, but replacements won’t be.
How to apply for a Green Homes Grant
Applications for a Green Homes Grant should be made online via the Simple Energy Advice website. Here you will be able to get personalised recommendations for home improvements that will then allow you to go ahead and get quotes for the required work. From there, vouchers will be issued to those deemed eligible.
Which contractor should you use?
To obtain a Green Homes Grant, you will have to use an accredited contractor for any work carried out. All companies used must be TrustMark registered or MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified.
Providing your contractor of choice is accredited by one of these two governing bodies, you will be able to use them as part of the Green Homes Grant scheme to carry out the work you require.
When does the Green Homes Grant scheme end?
The Green Homes Grant will only be available for a limited six-month period and will end in March 2021.