What financial support is available?
The cost of a whole house retrofit depends on many factors, including the size and age of the house, the type of walls, and what measures have already been completed. Costs range from starting at £30,000 for a typical house built since 2005 to £100,000 or more for older, larger or more complex homes. Its a significant investment and currently there are only limited single measure grants available to support you to do this.
Below is a comprehensive list that we have compiled of grants and finance options that could be available to you.
Finance options
An increasing number of banks and building societies offer green mortgages; the Green Finance Institute regularly provides updates on green mortgage offers available.
Key Advice When Considering a Loan for Retrofit:
Compare, Compare, Compare: Don't just look at the headline interest rate. Consider any associated fees, the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) which reflects the total cost of borrowing, and the flexibility of the loan terms.
Only Borrow What You Can Afford: A loan is a significant financial commitment. Ensure that repayments are manageable within your household budget over the full term of the loan.
Check if Improvements Add Value: While the primary drivers for retrofit are often energy savings, increased comfort, and carbon reduction, consider if the planned improvements are likely to add tangible value to your property.
Link to PAS 2035 Principles: Ensure that any works being funded by a loan are part of a well-considered whole-house retrofit plan, ideally guided by a qualified Retrofit Coordinator. The use of PAS 2030 certified installers for the installation of measures is crucial for quality assurance and may be a requirement for certain grants or finance.
Official Lender Websites are Key: The information provided above is for guidance. Always refer directly to the lender's official website or contact them for the most up-to-date, detailed information, and to discuss your personal circumstances.
Seek Independent Financial Advice: If you are unsure about any aspect of taking out a loan, or for larger loan amounts, especially if considering securing the loan against your home, it is highly recommended to speak to an independent financial advisor.
Grants
National Funding Sources (UK-wide)
Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG)
Delivered via local authorities for low-energy performance homes.
Funds insulation, solar PV, heat pumps, smart controls.
Eligibility linked to low incomes and low energy performance.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Historically funded insulation, heating, and efficiency upgrades.
Successor schemes continue to support eligible projects.
Government Retrofit Funding Allocations and Schemes
Boiler Upgrade Scheme - Grants up to £7,500 for low-carbon heating installation (heat pumps).
Great British Insulation Scheme - Supports loft and wall insulation for low-rated EPC properties.
Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF)
Grants and loans for historic building conservation and sustainable retrofit projects.
Especially relevant for heritage properties.
Local & Regional Funding Opportunities
Warm Homes Local Grant via Cambridgeshire Delivery
Delivered by Action on Energy and Cambridgeshire Energy Retrofit Partnership (CERP).
Targets fuel-poor and low-income households for insulation, heat pumps, ventilation.
CRAH can partner with local authority programmes to access support.
Cambridge City Council Climate & Retrofit Plans
Council has secured retrofit funding aligned with energy efficiency targets.
South Cambridgeshire
Council has secured retrofit funding aligned with energy efficiency targets.
Encourages partnership bids and delivery programmes including charitable housing providers.
East Cambridgeshire
Council has secured retrofit funding aligned with energy efficiency targets.
Encourages partnership bids and delivery programmes including charitable housing providers.
Hungtingdonshire
Council has secured retrofit funding aligned with energy efficiency targets.
Encourages partnership bids and delivery programmes including charitable housing providers.
Important Disclaimer from Cambridge Retrofit Hub and its representatives:
Please note that the information presented in here regarding grants, loans, financial support, and potential lenders is intended for general informational and signposting purposes only. The author/provider of this information is not a qualified financial advisor, broker, or regulated financial professional and is therefore not authorised to provide financial advice.
The details listed, including but not limited to interest rates, terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria, are subject to change by the respective organisations without notice and can vary based on individual circumstances. We do not endorse, recommend, or guarantee any specific product, service, or lender.
Before making any decisions related to financial products or retrofit improvements, it is crucial that you conduct your own thorough research and seek independent, professional advice from a suitably qualified and regulated financial advisor who can assess your personal financial situation and provide tailored recommendations. We accept no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on the information provided.
