However, according to Propertymark, the £450m Boiler Upgrade Scheme is 'a drop in the ocean' and needs to be backed up by longer-term funding to drive forward plans to make UK homes more energy efficient.
Under the new scheme, grants of £5,000 will be offered to property owners in England and Wales towards the cost of an air source heat pump, £6,000 for a ground source heat pump, and £5,000 for a biomass boiler for properties in rural locations and those not connected to the gas grid.
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns for Propertymark, said: “The UK's housing stock is amongst the least energy efficient in Europe so the challenge to retrofit is huge.
“Pockets of funding are starting to emerge but are a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed.
“The property sector needs a national retrofitting programme that's linked to realistic and achievable targets and dedicated, long-term grants that take into account the age, condition, and size of properties.
“Unless landlords and homeowners are given sustained financial incentives, it is unlikely any real progress will be made in helping them to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy bills."
