Solid Wall Insulation Grants: How Do They Work? (2025) 

In the UK, while only 30% of homes have solid walls, a staggering 97% remain uninsulated, leading to heat loss of up to 35%. With living costs rising and nearly 4 in 10 people struggling to pay their energy bills, grants for wall insulation have never been more essential. Uninsulated solid walls result in higher energy bills, colder homes, and a larger carbon footprint.

Solid wall insulation is an effective way to improve energy efficiency, particularly in homes built before the 1920s that lack modern cavity wall insulation. The UK government estimates that 7.7 million solid wall properties remain uninsulated, highlighting a significant opportunity to reduce heat loss and energy costs.

In this complete guide by WhatCost, we’ll explain available grants for solid wall insulation, including eligibility criteria, what each scheme offers, and how to apply.

If you’re ready to insulate your solid walls and need assistance with grant applications, WhatCost can help. Instead of spending hours researching and making phone calls, fill out our quick 30-second form and receive up to four free, tailored quotes from trusted insulation specialists in your area. Click below to get started!

Solid wall insulation grants are financial schemes provided by governments, local authorities, or other organisations to help homeowners manage the costs of insulating homes with solid walls. Unlike cavity wall homes, solid wall properties are typically older and lack the hollow space for simple cavity wall insulation.  

Solid wall homes, usually built before the 1920s, require specific insulation techniques. Since they lack a gap between inner and outer layers of the wall, they need either:

The cost of insulation for solid walls can range between £7,500 and £12,000, depending on whether you choose internal or external insulation and the size of your property. Grants for solid wall insulation aim to offset these costs and help improve energy efficiency within your home, making it warmer and reducing energy bills. By utilising these grants, you can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency and overall comfort.

Several grants for solid wall insulation are available to help you improve your energy efficiency. These initiatives aim to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, making sustainable living more accessible, especially for those on tighter budgets. Here's an overview of the main grants you can consider, including opportunities for free insulation.

These solid wall insulation grants can make a significant difference in achieving a more energy-efficient and comfortable home. 

To determine which grants you’re eligible for, contact your local authority or visit the official government website. Working with a trusted insulation specialist who can guide you through your options is helpful for a more streamlined process. WhatCost makes this easy — by completing our quick 30-second form, you can receive up to four free quotes from top-rated insulation specialists in your area. Click below to get started and learn more!

Eligibility for solid wall insulation free of charge depends on specific criteria set by various government-backed schemes and programs. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that determine who can qualify:

Property ownership or tenancy plays a key role in eligibility. Homeowners are typically the primary recipients of most solid wall insulation grants. However, private tenants can also benefit, provided they obtain permission from their landlord. Landlords may also apply for grants, especially if their tenants meet the necessary requirements and will directly benefit from the insulation improvements.

Household income is another crucial factor. Many grants, such as the ECO4 and Affordable Warmth schemes, target low-income households. Typically, eligibility applies to those earning £31,000 or less per year, though in Northern Ireland, the income threshold is £23,000 or less annually.

Eligibility often extends to households receiving certain government benefits, including:

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating may also be required to qualify for certain grants, such as the Great British Insulation Scheme. These grants typically apply to homes with an EPC rating between D and G, indicating lower energy efficiency. EPC ratings range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

The type and condition of the property are equally important. Solid wall insulation grants are generally designed for older properties, particularly those built before the 1920s with solid walls rather than cavity walls. The home's condition may also need specific standards to qualify for insulation upgrades.

Council Tax bands can influence eligibility. For example, the Great British Insulation Scheme considers homes in Council Tax bands A to D in England and A to E in Scotland and Wales.

Grants for wall insulation, available through the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) or ECO4 Scheme, are open until March 2026. Applying sooner increases your chances of securing funding before the programs close. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the application process from assessment to installation.

Before applying, ensure you meet the qualification criteria for your chosen grant scheme. Eligibility factors may include household income, property type, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, and receipt of specific benefits. You can refer to this guide or use the eligibility tool on the UK government website for a quick assessment.

After applying, an assessor will visit your home to evaluate its suitability for solid wall insulation. They will confirm that your property meets the grant requirements and identify whether internal or external wall insulation is the best solution. This assessment ensures you receive the appropriate type of insulation for your home.

To qualify for grant funding, you must work with a professional installer who meets government-set standards. Look for installers accredited under PAS 2030-2035 guidelines. This certification guarantees high-quality work that meets the durability and performance standards necessary for grant approval.

Once your grant application is approved and you’ve selected a certified installer, the insulation work can begin. The installer will carry out the solid wall insulation according to quality standards, helping to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

Following these steps, you can apply for a solid wall insulation grant and make your home more energy-efficient.

Accessing solid wall insulation grants, whether it is for internal or external wall insulation, will provide several benefits for your home and the environment:

With the increased cost of living in the UK, reducing bills is paramount, especially energy bills that are currently at their peak. Around 4 in 10 people in the UK struggle to pay their energy bills every month. With this in mind, here are the potential savings you can earn by insulating your solid walls:

Take your chance to benefit from solid wall insulation. Check your eligibility and apply for grants through the Great British Insulation Scheme or ECO4 Scheme. Take the first step toward a warmer, more energy-efficient home by connecting with trusted insulation specialists who can guide you. With What Cost’s quick 30-second form, you’ll receive up to four free quotes from top-rated specialists who will assist with your grant application and ensure proper insulation installation. Click below to get started and learn more!