Several policy changes this summer affect what Kent homeowners will pay for heating and energy upgrades, from a bigger heat pump grant to a countdown on tax relief. Here is a plain-English roundup, with links to the sources.
Heat pump grant rises to £9,000 for off-grid homes
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for an air source or ground source heat pump has increased from £7,500 to £9,000 for homes currently running on oil or LPG that are off the mains gas grid. The uplift applies from late July 2026 and is set to run to 31 March 2027. It is aimed at rural and older properties, of which Kent has many, that face the highest heating bills. The change is set out by Infinity Energy.
Zero VAT on energy-saving upgrades has a firm end date
The 0% VAT rate on installing energy-saving materials, including heat pumps, insulation and solar panels, is currently due to end on 31 March 2027, after which the standard 20% rate returns. For anyone weighing up insulation or a heat pump, that deadline is a real saving worth planning around rather than leaving open-ended. The position is explained by Cucumber Eco.
New homes will have to include solar from 2027
Under the Future Homes Standard, new homes in England will have to be built with on-site renewable generation, in practice solar panels, and without fossil-fuel heating, with the rules coming into force from 24 March 2027 after a transition period. It does not change existing houses, but it sets the direction of travel for major renovations and extensions too. The government confirmed the standard in a written statement to Parliament.
Related guides
- Conservatory Roof Replacement vs Glass Film: Which Fixes a Too-Hot, Too-Cold Conservatory?
- Air Source Heat Pump Cost in 2026 After the £7,500 Grant: What You Actually Pay
- Do You Need Planning Permission for a Rear Extension in Kent? 2026 Permitted Development Rules
- How Much Does a Conservatory Base Cost in the UK? (2026 Price Guide)
- Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement for a Rear Extension? Cost and Rules Explained
- Underfloor Heating vs Radiators for a Home Extension: Cost, Running Bills and Which to Choose
- How Much Does a House Extension Cost in 2026? Full UK Price Breakdown
- Loft Conversion Cost and Types: Dormer, Hip-to-Gable and Velux Explained
- Kent Home Improvement News: June 2026
- House Extensions: The Complete UK Homeowner’s Guide
- Single Storey Extension Ideas, Costs and Planning Rules
- Double Storey Extensions: Costs, Designs and What You Can Build
- Side Return Extensions Explained: Cost, Light and Layout
- Kent Home Improvement News: Mid-June 2026
- Garage Conversion Guide: Cost, Building Regs and Best Uses
- Extension vs Moving House: Which Is Better Value in Kent?
- Wraparound vs Rear Extension: Cost and Space Compared
- House Extension Builders in Kent: Costs, Lead Times and How to Choose
- Conservatory Guide: Styles, Costs and How to Choose One
- Kent Home Improvement News: Late June 2026
- How Much Does a Conservatory Cost in 2026? UK Prices by Type
- Conservatory vs Orangery vs Extension: Which to Build?
- Conservatory Roof Options: Glass, Polycarbonate and Tiled Compared
- Kent Home Improvement News: Early July 2026
- How to Keep a Conservatory Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer
- Tiled Conservatory Roof Cost and Replacement Process Explained
- Conservatories in Kent: Choosing an Installer, Costs and What to Ask
- Kent Home Improvement News: Mid-July 2026
- Roofing Guide: Repairs, Replacement, Materials and Costs
- New Roof Cost UK 2026: Replacement Prices by Roof Type
- Roof Repair Cost UK 2026: Slipped Tiles and Flashing Prices
- 7 Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing (and What You Can Ignore)
- Flat Roof vs Pitched Roof: Cost, Lifespan and Best Uses
- EPDM vs Felt vs Fibreglass Flat Roofs Compared
- Kent Home Improvement News: Mid-July 2026
- Roof Tile Types Explained: Clay, Concrete and Slate Compared
- Fascias, Soffits and Guttering: When to Replace and What It Costs
- How to Find a Good Roofer: Vetting Checklist for UK Homeowners
- Roofers in Kent: Costs, How to Choose and What to Ask in 2026
- Kitchen Renovation Guide: Planning, Cost and Design in 2026
- How Much Does a New Kitchen Cost in 2026? UK Price Guide
- Kitchen Layout Ideas: Galley, L-Shape, Island and Open Plan
- Worktops Compared: Quartz vs Granite vs Laminate vs Solid Wood
- Fitted vs Bespoke vs Flat-Pack Kitchens: Cost and Quality
- Kitchen Island Ideas, Sizes and Costs: A 2026 UK Guide
- Open Plan Kitchen Diner: Costs, Layouts and Knock-Through Rules
- How Long Does a Kitchen Fitting Take? Realistic UK Timeline
- Kitchen Fitters in Kent: Costs and How to Choose (2026)
- Bathroom Renovation Guide: Planning, Cost and Layout
- New Bathroom Cost 2026: What You’ll Pay in the UK
- Kent Home Improvement: Roofing Costs Rise (Aug 2026)
- Small Bathroom Ideas: Layouts That Feel Bigger
- Wet Room Cost 2026: £2,000 to £9,000 Fitted, by Size
- En Suite Cost and Minimum Size: £4,000 to £10,000 in 2026
- Kent Home News: £9,000 Heat Pump Grant Now Open
- Electric vs Mixer vs Power Shower: What Your Boiler Allows
- Bathroom Underfloor Heating Cost: 16p an Hour to Run
- Window Replacement Cost 2026: £350 to £600 Per uPVC Window
- uPVC vs Aluminium Windows: the 1.4 U-Value Rule
- How Long Does a Bathroom Take to Fit? 5 to 10 Working Days
- Home Improvement News: Solar Up 14%, Heat Pumps Down 17%
- Double vs Triple Glazing: Part L Still Stops at 1.4
- Bathroom Fitters in Kent: What to Ask Before You Pay
