Window Grants and Schemes 2026: What London Homeowners Can Claim
James Whitfield
Conservation Planning Advisor
Improving your windows is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills and increase home comfort—but the upfront cost can be significant. Fortunately, 2026 brings several grant schemes and funding options that London homeowners can access. Here's your complete guide to what's available.
The Warm Homes Plan
The government's flagship Warm Homes Plan, launched in 2025, continues to offer substantial support for energy efficiency improvements including glazing upgrades.
Eligibility
- Homeowners and private tenants in England
- Properties with EPC rating D, E, F, or G
- Household income below £36,000 (or receiving qualifying benefits)
- Property must be your main residence
What's Covered
- Secondary glazing installation
- Window draught-proofing
- Replacement windows (where necessary)
- Associated ventilation improvements
Grant Amounts
- Low-income households: Up to £10,000 (fully funded)
- Able-to-pay households: Up to £7,500 contribution towards costs
- Typical window grant: £2,000-£5,000 depending on property size
How to Apply
- Check eligibility at gov.uk/warm-homes-plan
- Complete online application
- Receive EPC assessment (if not current)
- Installer assessment and quote
- Grant approval and installation
Processing typically takes 6-10 weeks. Approved installers must be used.
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)
Major energy suppliers are required to fund energy efficiency improvements for eligible households under ECO4, running until 2026.
Eligibility
- Receiving qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.)
- Living in social housing meeting criteria
- Referred via LA Flex (see below)
What's Covered
- Secondary glazing
- Window replacement
- Draught-proofing
- Often combined with insulation measures
How to Apply
Contact your energy supplier or search for ECO4 installers in your area. Applications are processed through the installer.
LA Flex (Local Authority Flexibility)
Local authorities can refer households to ECO4 funding based on local criteria, even if they don't receive qualifying benefits.
Common LA Flex Criteria
- Low income (below £31,000)
- Vulnerable to cold (health conditions, elderly, young children)
- Living in fuel poverty
- Property in poor energy efficiency band
London Boroughs with Active LA Flex Schemes
- Westminster: Westminster Home Energy scheme
- Kensington & Chelsea: Warmer Homes programme
- Camden: Camden Climate Action
- Islington: Warmth on Prescription
- Camden (Hampstead): Energy Doctor service
Contact your local council's housing or environmental services team for details.
Heathrow Noise Insulation Scheme
If you live under a Heathrow flight path, you may qualify for free or subsidised acoustic glazing.
Eligibility
- Property within defined noise contour boundaries
- Noise exposure above threshold levels
- Not previously received scheme assistance
What's Covered
- Acoustic secondary glazing
- Acoustic ventilation
- Loft insulation
How to Apply
Check eligibility and apply through the Heathrow Community Noise Forum website or call Heathrow's community relations team.
Listed Building and Heritage Grants
Period properties may access heritage-specific funding:
Historic England Grants
- Available for Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings
- Covers conservation repairs including window restoration
- Secondary glazing may be included as part of wider conservation project
- Competitive application process
Architectural Heritage Fund
- Project development grants for community-owned heritage buildings
- May fund feasibility studies for window improvements
Local Authority Conservation Grants
Some London boroughs offer small grants for listed building maintenance:
- Westminster Heritage Grants: Up to £3,000
- Islington Heritage Grant: Up to £2,000
- Camden Conservation Area Grants: Varies by project
VAT Relief
Certain energy-saving installations qualify for reduced VAT rates:
5% VAT Rate Applies To
- Installation of energy-saving materials in residential properties
- Draught-proofing
- Insulation products
Secondary Glazing VAT Status
Secondary glazing typically attracts standard 20% VAT as it's classified as a window product rather than insulation material. However, some installations as part of wider energy efficiency packages may qualify for the reduced rate. Ask your installer for clarification.
0% Interest Finance
While not grants, several schemes offer interest-free borrowing:
Home Upgrade Loans
- Government-backed 0% loans for energy improvements
- Up to £15,000 over 10 years
- Available through Green Finance Institute partners
Credit Union Green Loans
- London Mutual Credit Union and others offer low-interest home improvement loans
- Rates typically 3-5% APR
- More accessible than mainstream lenders for some borrowers
Landlord-Specific Funding
Private landlords face mandatory EPC requirements and can access:
Landlord ECO4 Funding
- Available where tenant receives qualifying benefits
- Landlord contribution may be required
- Must maintain rent levels post-improvement
Private Rented Sector Minimum Standards Exemptions
- If all cost-effective improvements made and EPC still below C
- Must spend at least £3,500 per property on improvements
- Secondary glazing counts towards this cap
How to Maximise Your Support
- Get an EPC assessment first—this determines eligibility for most schemes
- Check all applicable schemes—you may qualify for multiple sources
- Apply before installation—most grants require pre-approval
- Use approved installers—grant schemes mandate this
- Keep all documentation—receipts, certificates, and completion records
What We Can Help With
While we don't process grant applications directly, we can:
- Provide detailed quotations formatted for grant applications
- Complete technical specifications required by schemes
- Liaise with grant assessors during property surveys
- Advise on which specifications will satisfy scheme requirements
Request a quote and let us know if you're applying for grant funding—we'll ensure our documentation supports your application.
Call 020 7060 1572 to discuss your options.
