Window Grants in 2026: What Help Can You Get?

Most homeowners cannot get a government grant for new windows in 2026. Funding is aimed at lower-income households in poorly insulated homes, and even then windows are usually funded only when they replace single glazing as part of a wider energy upgrade. If you might qualify, the main routes are the Warm Homes: Local Grant in England, ECO4 until the end of 2026, and separate schemes in Scotland and Wales. Here is how each works.

Last updated: 25 October 2026. Schemes change often, so always check the official scheme website before relying on this guide.

Schemes at a glance

Scheme	Where	Who it’s for	Covers windows?
Warm Homes: Local Grant	England	Lower-income households in homes rated EPC D to G	Sometimes, if an assessor recommends it
ECO4	England, Scotland, Wales	Households on certain benefits or referred by their council, EPC D to G	Sometimes, mainly to replace single glazing
Home Energy Scotland	Scotland	Homeowners	Loans, not grants, for replacing single glazing
Nest	Wales	Low-income households in inefficient homes	Sometimes, after a whole-house assessment
Great British Insulation Scheme	Great Britain		No; it covered insulation and closed in March 2026
Boiler Upgrade Scheme	England and Wales		No; heat pumps and biomass only

Warm Homes: Local Grant (England)

This scheme is run by councils and is due to run until March 2028. It is aimed at privately owned and privately rented homes rated EPC D to G, where the household has a low income, receives a means-tested benefit or lives in a qualifying area. An assessor decides which improvements to fund based on value for money. Double or triple glazing can be included, but insulation, heating and solar are funded far more often. Contact your council to find out whether it is taking part and how to apply.

ECO4

ECO4 is funded by energy suppliers and has been extended to 31 December 2026. It is aimed at households receiving certain benefits, or referred by their council under its flexible eligibility rules, in homes rated EPC D or below. Windows are only funded in limited cases, usually where single glazing is replaced as part of a package that improves the home’s energy rating. Suppliers decide which projects to fund and may ask for a contribution.

Scotland

Home Energy Scotland offers interest-free loans, rather than grants, for glazing that replaces single glazing. You must contact Home Energy Scotland and receive a written offer before any work starts. Visit homeenergyscotland.org for details.

Wales

The Nest scheme can include windows for eligible low-income households in inefficient homes, where a whole-house assessment recommends them. Insulation and heating usually take priority. Visit nest.gov.wales for details.

VAT on windows and draught-proofing

• Replacement windows, double glazing and secondary glazing are charged at the standard 20% VAT rate.
• Draught-proofing installed by a firm qualifies for the 0% energy-saving materials rate, currently until 31 March 2027.

That makes professional draught-proofing one of the best-value upgrades for sash windows.

If you don’t qualify for a grant

Most people don’t, but you can still cut heat loss affordably:

• Draught-proofing: typically £150 to £350 per window (£250 to £450 in London), and zero-rated for VAT.
• Secondary glazing: typically £180 to £400 per window.
• Double glazing your existing sashes: typically £600 to £1,500 per window.
• Restoration: fixes rattles and gaps, and costs far less than replacement.

For new windows, see double glazed sash windows: costs and options.

Beware of grant scams

Be cautious of cold callers or adverts promising “free government windows”. Genuine schemes are run through councils, energy suppliers or official advice services. Never pay a fee to “unlock” a grant, and check any company with your council or the official scheme website first.

Find sash window companies near you for draught-proofing, secondary glazing or new windows.

Frequently asked questions

Are there government grants for double glazing in 2026?

Only for some households. Lower-income households in poorly insulated homes may get help through the Warm Homes: Local Grant or ECO4, but windows are funded far less often than insulation or heating.

Can I get free windows from the government?

Very rarely. Windows are usually funded only to replace single glazing as part of a wider energy upgrade for eligible households.

Is VAT charged on new windows?

Yes, at 20%. Draught-proofing installed by a firm is zero-rated, currently until 31 March 2027.

Is there a grant for secondary glazing?

It can be included in some schemes where an assessor recommends it, but most homeowners pay for it themselves.

Sources

Vitrum Solutions: government grants for windows 2026 (updated September 2026), ExpertSure: double glazing grants 2026 (updated October 2026) and the Best Builders sash window cost guide (September 2026).