With rising energy bills and growing awareness of climate change, homeowners across the UK are turning to energy-efficient upgrades. One of the most impactful changes? External wall insulation (EWI). But with costs ranging between £7,500 and £11,000, it’s not exactly a pocket-friendly investment—unless you know where to look.
Fortunately, there are several external wall insulation grants available to help cover the cost. If you own or rent a property with poor insulation, you might qualify for government-backed schemes like ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
Let’s dive into what external wall insulation is, why it matters, and how you can access grants to make your home warmer and more affordable to heat.
What is External Wall Insulation?
External wall insulation involves fixing a layer of insulation material to the outside of your property’s walls, followed by a protective render or cladding. It’s particularly effective for older homes with solid walls—common in houses built before the 1930s.
Key benefits:
Reduces heat loss and energy bills
Improves EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating
Enhances external appearance
Reduces damp and condensation issues
With heating accounting for a significant portion of household energy use, upgrading wall insulation can result in long-term savings and greater comfort.
Why Does It Cost So Much?
The price of installing external wall insulation varies depending on your home’s size and condition, but the national average ranges from £7,500 to over £11,000. That includes materials, scaffolding, and labour.
This is where UK insulation grants come in. Several initiatives aim to reduce upfront costs, or in many cases, cover the entire expense.
What External Wall Insulation Grants Are Available?
There are a few key schemes offering free insulation grants or heavily subsidised options in the UK. Here are the main ones:
1. ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation)
The ECO4 scheme is one of the largest energy efficiency programmes in the UK. Funded by major energy companies, it’s designed to help lower-income households improve their homes’ energy performance.
Eligibility:
Household income under £31,000
Receipt of qualifying government benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Pension Credit)
Property with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
You are a homeowner or private tenant (with landlord consent)
If eligible, you could receive 100% funding for external wall insulation and other measures such as loft insulation, boiler upgrades, or even air source heat pumps.
How to Apply:
Contact an ECO4-registered installer
Provide proof of eligibility (income, benefits, EPC rating)
Schedule a free survey
Tip: Always go through a trusted installer with access to ECO4 funding.
2. Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Formerly known as ECO+ or ECO Flex, the GBIS is aimed at households that don’t qualify for ECO4 but still live in less efficient homes.
Eligibility:
EPC rating of D to G
Council Tax band A to D in England, or A to E in Scotland/Wales
You can be a homeowner, private tenant, or landlord
Unlike ECO4, GBIS doesn’t require you to be on benefits. It’s ideal for middle-income households looking to improve their home’s energy performance affordably.
What’s Covered:
External wall insulation
Loft insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Heating controls
This scheme can reduce installation costs significantly, even if it doesn’t fully cover them.
3. Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex)
LA Flex is a council-led offshoot of ECO4. It allows local authorities to set their own criteria for grant eligibility. This can include factors like health conditions, age, or local deprivation levels.
Benefits of LA Flex:
Wider eligibility
Tailored to your area’s specific needs
Can fund external wall insulation, heating upgrades, and more
Check your local council’s website or contact their housing or sustainability department to see if LA Flex is active in your area.
Other Options: Green Deal Home Upgrade Grants
While the Green Deal is no longer funded by the government, private lenders still offer energy efficiency loans through the scheme. These loans are repaid through energy bill savings over time.
Some regions in England also have Home Upgrade Grants (HUGs) available through local authorities, especially for off-gas homes with low EPC ratings.
Do You Qualify for an External Wall Insulation Grant?
Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ You own or rent a home in the UK
✅ Your home has solid walls (pre-1930s construction)
✅ Your EPC rating is between D and G
✅ Your household income is under £31,000 or you receive benefits
✅ You live in a qualifying Council Tax band
If you meet some or all of these criteria, there’s a high chance you can receive a free or heavily subsidised external wall insulation grant.
How to Get Started
Check your EPC rating – Find it on gov.uk.
Use a grant eligibility checker – Many insulation companies offer free tools online.
Book a survey – A registered installer will assess your home and recommend improvements.
Apply through the right scheme – ECO4, GBIS, or LA Flex.
Final Thoughts
Installing external wall insulation can drastically improve your home’s warmth, comfort, and energy efficiency—but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Thanks to government grants like ECO4 and GBIS, thousands of UK homeowners are insulating their homes for free or at a fraction of the usual cost.
