Steps to Apply for a Warm Homes Loan

This guide is for UK homeowners who want to prepare for the Warm Homes Loan Scheme. It covers what we know so far, the steps you can take now and how to choose a lender safely. We use published sources from GOV.UK, the Energy Saving Trust, MCS, the FCA and MoneySavingExpert. The Government has not yet confirmed how or when you apply, so this guide focuses on preparation.

Independent guide. We are not a lender or a government body. Always check current scheme rules with the official provider.

What we know about the scheme

The Government announced the scheme in January 2026 as part of its £15bn Warm Homes Plan. Launch was confirmed on 26 October 2026. The Treasury partly backs each loan. This lets lenders offer rates up to 5 percentage points below their normal rates, and some borrowers may get 0%.

Loan terms start at 3 years and reach 30 years in some cases. Some products are secured loans, such as second mortgages. Each measure has its own maximum, from £7,500 for a heat network connection to £35,000 for a ground source heat pump. Three details are not yet confirmed. The Government has not published the eligibility rules. It has not confirmed how or when you apply. Each lender has not yet published its rates.

Steps to prepare now

You can prepare before the application process opens. Good preparation helps you move quickly once details appear. It also protects you from rushed decisions. Work through these steps in order.

Decide which upgrades you want, such as solar panels, a battery or a heat pump.
Check the scheme maximum for each measure on our Warm Homes Loan page.
Check whether a heat pump qualifies for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant in England and Wales.
Check official Energy Saving Trust advice to see if you may qualify for a fully funded upgrade.
Find MCS-certified installers through the MCS installer search.
Get two or three written, itemised quotes.
Gather recent energy bills and proof of income.
Wait for official eligibility rules and application details before you apply.

Low-income households, with an income under £36,000 or on certain benefits, may qualify for separate fully funded routes. Check these before you borrow.

Choosing a lender and protecting yourself

Ten lenders are taking part in the scheme. Compare their products once each lender publishes its rates. Look at the interest rate, the term, any fees and the total amount you repay. Terms over 20 years can carry higher rates and a much higher total cost.

HomeServe (with E.ON)
HTG Finance
Propensio
Secure Trust Bank
Selina Finance
South Manchester Credit Union
Sunsave
Tandem Bank
The Money Co-op
This Bank

Checklist

Upgrades chosen and scheme maximums checked
Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility checked for any heat pump
Fully funded routes checked through official advice
Two or three MCS-certified quotes received
Energy bills and proof of income gathered
Lender confirmed on the official list and FCA register
Total cost of credit compared across lenders

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for the Warm Homes Loan Scheme now?

Not yet. The Government has not confirmed how or when you apply.

Who is eligible?

The eligibility rules are not yet published. We will update this guide once they are.

Which lenders offer the loan?

Ten lenders: HomeServe (with E.ON), HTG Finance, Propensio, Secure Trust Bank, Selina Finance, South Manchester Credit Union, Sunsave, Tandem Bank, The Money Co-op, This Bank.

Will I pay 0% interest?

Some borrowers may get 0%. Lenders can cut rates by up to 5 percentage points, but final rates are not yet published.

Can I combine the loan with a grant?

Yes. You can combine it with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for eligible heat pumps and biomass boilers.

Should I pay a fee to secure a place?

No. Never pay an upfront fee. Check the lender is on the official list and the FCA register.

So you can apply with confidence as soon as the official application process opens.

WHLS Editorial Team

Our editorial team writes independent, plain-English guides on home energy finance. We review guides when scheme rules change.