Although that question should not exist as no one should wait for a scheme to end in order to benefit from it. However, As recently confirmed by the government, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will stick around until the end of 2027. They even allocated £295 million just for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. So, that’s a breather for now, but don’t stretch it too long because the scheme is already been there for quite some time.
The scheme began in 2022 and was initially supposed to wrap up by 2025. But, thanks to high demand, it got extended all the way to 2028 with about £1.5 billion more dedicated to it. So, the growth in need for these upgrades played a big part in the decision to keep the program going longer.
What the December 2027 End Date Actually Means for You
31 December 2027 is not a soft suggestion. When the scheme closes, the grant mechanism closes with it.
That means:
- No more upfront voucher deductions from your installation quote
- No fallback for homeowners who miss the window
- Higher out-of-pocket costs to switch from fossil fuel heating
MCS-accredited installers are now seeing average waiting times of 9 to 14 weeks between the initial enquiry and final installation.
Grant Funding Currently Available (May 2026)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers up to £7,500 for air source heat pumps and the same for ground source heat pumps. Plus, if you’re off-grid, you can get £5,000 for a biomass boiler.
Now, the UK government is boosting the grants to £9,000 for folks using oil or LPG for heating. This applies in England and Wales until March 2027. Don’t miss out if you rely on oil or LPG!
What Changed in April 2026
In April 2026, the scheme got a makeover. Not only did it continue, but it also dropped the EPC requirement. Now, installers can use other proof when an EPC is missing. Plus, there’s this new tier for air-to-air heat pumps up to £2,500.
What’s cool is that homeowners don’t need to stress if their EPC expired. Before, that would’ve stopped their application in its tracks. No more of that hassle now. So, folks have more ways to apply without running into red tape.
Who Can Still Qualify
The program includes homeowners and small commercial property owners in England and Wales who replace their current fossil fuel heating systems. That includes gas, oil boilers, LPG, and electric storage heaters, with low-carbon solutions.
However, new homes and social housing properties are not included in the program, but self-built properties can participate. Furthermore, properties that have already received government grants for heat pump or biomass boiler are ineligible.
The situation is different in Scotland and Northern Ireland because they have a different financing mechanism. The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan currently provides funding of up to £15,000, comprising a £7,500 grant and a £7,500 loan.
Will the Boiler Upgrade Scheme End Date Be Extended Again?
The Secretary of State approved an additional budget increase for the BUS in April 2026, specifically to ensure consumers and industry can continue installing heat pumps without interruption.
That’s a government actively keeping the scheme solvent, not winding it down. But December 2027 remains the confirmed close date, and no extension has been announced as of June 2026.
The Bottom Line
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme end date is December 2027. That’s confirmed, funded, and backed by updated regulations as recently as April 2026. The scheme is not winding down quietly; grant amounts have increased, new tiers have been added, and the budget has been topped up. But it does end, and installer lead times mean the practical window for securing a grant is shorter than the official deadline suggests.
If you’re on a gas boiler, oil heating, or LPG and you’ve been putting this off, the scheme is as accessible as it’s ever been. The grant won’t get much better than £7,500 (or £9,000 if you’re on oil or LPG and move before March 2027). The question isn’t whether to apply; it’s how soon you can get an MCS-certified installer through the door.
