External Wall Insulation Grant
If your home has solid walls, you’ll know how quickly heat can escape and how expensive it can be to keep things warm through winter. The good news is that government-backed schemes are now available to cover much, or in some cases all, of the cost of external wall insulation.
At Free Energy Savings, we specialise in helping homeowners, landlords, and tenants access these grants. From checking if you qualify to arranging surveys and managing paperwork, we handle the process start to finish. All you need to do is take the first step.
Not sure if you qualify? That’s where we come in. Use our quick online form or give us a call today, and we’ll let you know exactly what funding is available for your home.
Apply Now For A Free External Wall Insulation Grant
Fill out the form below to take advantage of the free external wall insulation grant.
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3 Step Eligibility Process
Complete Online Form
Fill out our quick online form to apply for your external wall insulation grant.
Get a Survey
Schedule a free home survey to assess your property’s current insulation and energy needs
Get an External Wall Insulation Grant
Receive a grant for brand new external wall insulation at no cost.
Who Qualifies for an External Wall Insulation Grant?
Not every household will qualify for the same level of support, but the good news is there are two main routes to funding and one of them often applies to people who assume they won’t be eligible.
ECO4 Scheme
ECO4 is the government’s main energy efficiency scheme, funded by the large energy suppliers. It’s aimed at low-income households and those receiving benefits, and in many cases it covers the full cost of external wall insulation.
You may qualify if:
- Your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- You receive one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit (UC)
GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme)
GBIS is designed to help a wider group of households. You don’t need to be on benefits, but your home must still have an EPC rating of D or below. Eligibility also depends on your council tax band:
- Bands A–D in England
- Bands A–E in Scotland and Wales
Funding under GBIS is usually partial, but it still makes external wall insulation much more affordable.
Local Authority Flex (LA Flex)
Some councils also have flexibility to approve households who don’t fit the standard criteria but are still considered vulnerable (for example, due to health or income reasons). This is known as LA Flex.
External Wall Insulation Grants Comparison
| Scheme | Who It’s For | Funding Level | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECO4 | Low-income / benefits households | Often full funding | EPC D–G + qualifying benefits |
| GBIS | Wider households (not always on benefits) | Partial funding | EPC D or below + council tax band criteria |
Where Do You Fit?
The eligibility rules can feel a bit complicated on paper, but that’s where we come in. At Free Energy Savings, we’ll check both schemes for you and if your local authority offers flexibility, we’ll include that too.
Tip: Even if you’re not on benefits, it’s still worth checking. Many households who thought they’d miss out actually qualify under GBIS.
What Is an External Wall Insulation Grant?
An external wall insulation grant is government funding that helps households pay for the insulation of solid walls by adding a protective layer to the outside of the property. This layer is finished with render, brick slips, or another decorative coating, so it doesn’t just save energy, it refreshes the look of your home too.
There are two main routes to support:
- ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) – If your household receives certain benefits and your home has a low energy efficiency rating, you may qualify for full funding under ECO4. This scheme is funded by the big energy companies and is focused on reducing fuel poverty.
- GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) – A newer scheme with wider eligibility. It’s open to more households, including those not on benefits, though funding is usually partial.
For many older UK homes built with solid brick or stone walls, insulation is especially important. Unlike cavity walls (which have a gap in the middle that can be filled), solid walls let heat escape directly through the brickwork. In fact, as much as 35% of your heating could be slipping away this way.
You might be wondering: why external wall insulation instead of internal? Both improve efficiency, but external insulation avoids losing indoor space and protects the outside of your home from weather damage. It also means less disruption inside, no need to redecorate or move furniture out for weeks.
In short: an external wall insulation grant is designed to make this major upgrade affordable, even free in some cases, so you can enjoy a warmer, cheaper-to-run home without the usual upfront cost.
Why External Wall Insulation Is Important
Solid walls are one of the biggest culprits for wasted heat. In fact, an uninsulated solid wall can lose up to 35% of your home’s heat, which explains why so many older properties feel cold and expensive to run.
By adding external wall insulation, you create a thermal barrier that keeps warmth inside during winter and helps your home stay cooler in summer. For most households, that means annual energy bill savings in the region of:
- Detached homes: £700 or more
- Semi-detached homes: £400–£600
- Terraced homes: £300–£450
But the benefits go beyond bills. A properly insulated home is noticeably more comfortable, rooms warm up quicker, draughts disappear, and temperature is more consistent throughout. Plus, insulation upgrades almost always improve your EPC rating, which in turn can raise your property’s value.
Take one example: a couple in Manchester had a 1930s semi that was always chilly, even with the heating on. After having external wall insulation installed through the ECO4 scheme, they cut their energy bills by over £600 a year and for the first time, they could sit in the front room without blankets. Their home now feels warmer, looks fresher from the outside, and is worth more on the market.
There’s also the environmental side. By cutting your energy use, you’re reducing carbon emissions, something many homeowners are increasingly conscious of. And because a modern external wall system lasts 30 years or more, you’re not just saving money now but for decades to come.
Some people worry that insulation will spoil the look of their home. In reality, external wall systems are finished with render, brick slips, or other decorative coatings, meaning your property can look smarter, more weatherproof, and even gain kerb appeal.
So why does this matter for you? Well, it’s simple: external wall insulation makes your home cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in, and better protected for the long term and with government support, the cost barrier is no longer the stumbling block it once was.
What’s Included in the External Wall Insulation Grant?
One of the main concerns people have with home improvements is hidden costs. The good news is that external wall insulation grants are designed to cover the full package, not just the materials.
Here’s what’s usually included when you apply through ECO4 or GBIS:
- Free property survey – An accredited assessor visits your home to check suitability, measure up, and confirm how much funding is available.
- Professional installation – A full external insulation system is fitted, including insulation boards and the protective finish (render or brick slip).
- All materials and labour – The scheme covers both, so you’re not left footing bills for scaffolding, plaster, or specialist equipment.
- Accredited installers only – Work is carried out by TrustMark-approved, PAS 2030-certified teams who specialise in energy efficiency upgrades.
- Warranties and aftercare – Most installations come with long-term guarantees, giving you peace of mind that the system will perform for decades.
With ECO4, qualifying households can often have 100% of these costs covered. Under GBIS, the grant may cover part of the cost, but it still reduces the upfront bill dramatically.
The idea is simple: take away the financial barrier and ensure the work is done to a high standard. By the time it’s complete, you’ll have warmer walls, a smarter exterior, and the reassurance of proper guarantees, without the stress of hidden extras.
How Much Can You Save With External Wall Insulation?
The exact savings depend on the type of property you live in, but for most households the numbers are significant. On average, external wall insulation can reduce heating bills by:
- Detached homes: £700+ a year
- Semi-detached homes: £400–£600 a year
- Terraced homes: £300–£450 a year
And those figures aren’t one-off. They’re yearly savings, meaning the longer you stay in the property, the more you keep in your pocket. Over 10 years, a detached household could save £7,000 or more just on reduced heating bills.
It’s not only about money. Insulating solid walls helps improve your home’s EPC rating, which is now a key factor for both property value and mortgage options. Buyers increasingly look for energy-efficient homes, so upgrading can strengthen the long-term value of your property.
Take, for example, a family in Birmingham living in a semi-detached 1950s house. Before insulation, their heating was on full most of the winter and still the bedrooms felt cold. After having external wall insulation installed through ECO4 funding, their annual bills dropped by around £500. More importantly, the house finally felt comfortable throughout, and the new rendered finish made the property look freshly modernised from the outside.
There’s also the protection factor. By wrapping your home in insulation and a weatherproof finish, you’re shielding the brickwork from damp, frost, and wear. In many cases, external wall insulation makes the property look fresher too, especially when paired with a modern render or brick slip finish.
So while the financial savings are often the headline, the real value is in combining lower bills, a warmer home, and a property that feels better to live in. With support from ECO4 or GBIS, those benefits become affordable or in some cases, free.
Types of External Wall Insulation Finishes
One of the biggest questions homeowners have is, “What will my house look like afterwards?” The good news is that external wall insulation doesn’t just make your home warmer, it can also improve its appearance.
There are a few main finish options available:
- Rendered Finish – The most common choice. A smooth or textured render is applied over the insulation, creating a clean, modern look. It also adds a layer of weather protection.
- Brick Slip Finish – These thin brick tiles are fixed onto the insulation to replicate the look of traditional brickwork. Ideal if you want to keep a classic style but benefit from modern insulation.
- Decorative Options – A range of colours and textures are available, meaning you can match your property’s existing style or choose a fresh new look.
The best finish for your home will depend on the survey. Factors like property type, local planning rules, and your own preferences all play a part.
Far from spoiling a property’s look, the right finish often improves kerb appeal. Many homeowners find their home looks newer and sharper once the work is complete and with the bonus of lower bills, it’s a win on both fronts.
Can I Get a Grant If I Already Have Some Wall Insulation?
In short; no. If your home already has external wall insulation in place, you won’t be able to get another grant for the same measure. The ECO4 and GBIS schemes are designed to improve properties that are currently uninsulated or significantly underperforming, not to replace systems that have already been fitted.
This means if you’ve previously had external wall insulation installed, whether recently or many years ago, your property won’t qualify for funding for this measure again. The grant system is strictly monitored to make sure funds go to homes that still need upgrades, rather than repeating work that’s already been done.
That said, you may still be eligible for other energy efficiency improvements under ECO4 or GBIS, such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation (if suitable), a boiler upgrade, or even renewable options like solar panels.
If you’re unsure about what’s already been installed or want to check which measures your home might qualify for, the best step is to book a free survey. That way you’ll have a clear picture of what funding is available, even if external wall insulation isn’t on the list.
Our Application & Installation Process
We know that the idea of applying for a government grant can sound complicated, but the process with Free Energy Savings is designed to be straightforward. Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility check – Start with our quick online form or a phone call. We’ll confirm if your household could qualify for ECO4 or GBIS funding.
- Free property survey – If eligible, we’ll arrange for an accredited assessor to visit your home, check your walls, and measure up.
- Application submitted – We handle all the paperwork and submit your application through the correct scheme on your behalf.
- Installation – Once approved, the insulation system is fitted by certified installers. The work usually takes several days to a couple of weeks, depending on property size.
- Quality assurance – After completion, the installation is checked to make sure it meets the required standards.
- Aftercare & warranty – You’ll receive documentation for your records, along with details of the guarantee.
From start to finish, the process usually takes around 4–8 weeks. Most of that time is waiting for survey dates and approvals, the actual installation is often quicker than people expect.
The best part? You don’t need to chase forms, coordinate contractors, or figure out funding criteria. We take care of the details, while you focus on enjoying the benefits of a warmer, cheaper-to-run home.
Why Choose Free Energy Savings?
Choosing the right partner matters just as much as choosing the right insulation. With Free Energy Savings, you’re not just applying for a grant, you’re getting a team that knows these schemes inside out.
We specialise in ECO4 and GBIS funding, and have already helped thousands of households across the UK make their homes warmer, cheaper to run, and more energy efficient.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Nationwide coverage – Wherever you are in the UK, we can help.
- Certified installers only – Every installation is carried out by PAS 2030-approved, TrustMark-registered professionals.
- No-obligation surveys – Find out what you qualify for without any pressure or upfront cost.
- End-to-end support – From eligibility checks to final warranty paperwork, we manage it all.
- Clear communication – No jargon, no confusing forms, just straightforward guidance.
Many people feel sceptical about “free” schemes, and rightly so; the industry has its share of poor experiences. That’s why we focus on doing things the right way: transparent advice, accredited teams, and proper guarantees.
When you choose Free Energy Savings, you’re choosing a partner that takes the stress out of the process and makes sure your grant-funded upgrade is handled smoothly from start to finish.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home?
External wall insulation is one of the most effective ways to cut heat loss, lower energy bills, and make your home more comfortable year-round. With support from the ECO4 and GBIS schemes, many households can now access this upgrade with little or no upfront cost.
The benefits are hard to ignore:
- Lower heating bills; savings of up to £700 a year
- A warmer, more comfortable home
- Improved EPC rating and property value
- Long-term protection for your walls and exterior
Best of all, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of forms, approvals, or finding the right installers. At Free Energy Savings, we manage the whole process for you, from eligibility check through to installation and aftercare.
So if you’re wondering whether your home could qualify, the next step is simple: apply today. Use our quick online form or give us a call, and we’ll let you know exactly what funding is available.
Warmer rooms, lower bills, and a smarter-looking home, all without the stress of big upfront costs. That’s the difference an external wall insulation grant can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. If you qualify under the ECO4 scheme (for households on certain benefits), the funding often covers the entire cost; survey, materials, labour, and guarantees. If you don’t qualify for ECO4, you may still be eligible under the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). GBIS usually offers partial funding, which means you may need to contribute towards the cost, but the grant still covers a large portion.
Yes. ECO4 is benefits-based, but GBIS was designed to reach a wider group of households. If your property has a low EPC rating (D or below) and is in the right council tax band (A–D in England, A–E in Scotland/Wales), you could qualify for partial funding even without benefits.
Yes. Tenants can apply with their landlord’s permission, and many private renters qualify under ECO4 if they meet the income and EPC requirements. Landlords can apply too, provided the property meets the scheme criteria.
Savings vary by property size and your current heating system:
Detached home – £900–£1,200 per year
Semi-detached – £600–£800 per year
Terraced – £400–£600 per year
Households switching from oil or electric heating often see the biggest drops.
Most of the work happens outside your home. Installers may need to use scaffolding, but inside disruption is minimal. You’ll still be able to live in the property while work is carried out. Typical installation takes several days to a couple of weeks, depending on property size.
The installation itself usually takes between 5–15 working days, depending on the size and type of property. From the moment you first apply to the point of completion, the whole process is typically 4–8 weeks (including survey and funding approvals).
Yes, both can apply:
- Landlords can access funding for their rental properties, provided the property and tenants meet eligibility criteria.
- Tenants can also apply, though permission from the landlord is required before work goes ahead.
Yes, but often for the better. External wall insulation is finished with render, brick slips, or decorative coatings. Many homeowners find their property looks smarter and more modern afterwards. If you live in a conservation area or listed building, additional planning permission may be required.
Yes. ECO4 in particular is designed to deliver multiple improvements to a property. External wall insulation can be combined with loft insulation, boiler upgrades, solar panels, and other measures, depending on your eligibility and what your property needs most.
A modern system, when installed by accredited professionals, lasts 30 years or more. It also comes with warranties, so you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
Very little. Render or decorative finishes may need occasional cleaning, but otherwise the system is designed to be low-maintenance. Warranties give additional reassurance.
If your home already has external wall insulation installed, you won’t qualify for another grant for the same measure. However, you may still be eligible for other improvements such as loft insulation, boiler replacements, or solar panels.
Yes. Both ECO4 and GBIS are government-backed schemes, regulated by Ofgem and funded by energy suppliers. Applications must go through accredited companies (like us) to ensure quality and compliance.
That’s exactly what our free eligibility check is for. We’ll look at your property, EPC rating, benefits (if applicable), and council tax band, then confirm whether ECO4 or GBIS applies.
What Our Customers Have To Say
Read More Of Our Reviews On Trust Pilot
We’ve had some bad experiences with installers in the past, but Free Energy Savings was a breath of fresh air. They were helpful and patient, answering all of our questions about the ECO4 scheme and making sure we understood how it worked. The installation was done quickly and professionally, and the team was extremely respectful of our home.
- Jessica B
We were a bit unsure about how the ECO4 grant worked, but Free Energy Savings made everything so simple. The team explained every detail of the grant and the benefits from a new boiler installation. When it came time for the installation, they arrived right on schedule and worked hard to get everything set up. What impressed me most was the attention to detail….
- Amelia L
Free Energy Savings exceeded all of our expectations. From the moment we contacted them, they were responsive and informative. The team helped us through the paperwork for the ECO4 grant, which was a big help since we had no idea where to start. The installation crew was friendly, professional, and fast. It’s been a couple of months now, and we’re already…
