Nest Wales: insulation grants in Wales
Warm Homes Nest is the Welsh Government scheme that gives free home energy upgrades to lower-income households in Wales. It is the main insulation grant in Wales.
- Free
- for households that qualify
- EPC E
- or lower, or D where a health condition applies
- 60,000+
- households have got help since 2011
Who qualifies for the Nest Wales scheme
- The home is yours, or you rent it privately. Homes from the council or a housing association aren't covered.
- The home's rating is EPC E or under (54 points or less). EPC D (68 or less) counts too if someone has a qualifying health condition.
- Someone in the home receives a means-tested benefit, or the household lives on a low income.
| Route | You qualify if |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit (if income is under £18,660), or income-related Council Tax Reduction. |
| Low income, one adult | Under £15,521 a year after rent or mortgage |
| Low income, a couple | Under £23,166 a year after rent or mortgage |
Figures for households of other sizes are on GOV.WALES. Renting privately? You share your landlord's details, and Nest then asks for permission.
Costs Nest covers
The home gets a visit from an assessor, who then designs a package. That package can include:
- Insulation
- Heat pump
- Solar panels
- Fixing or replacing a boiler or storage heaters that have broken, if there's no heating or hot water in the home.
How to apply
- Nest takes applications online or by phone. The advice is free, no matter what your income is.
- If you're eligible, your home gets a visit from an assessor.
- The package is fitted by Nest's own installers, and it costs you nothing.
Go to GOV.WALES to apply.
Further grants for insulation in Wales
When you don't qualify for Nest, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cuts the cost of a heat pump by £7,500 for any homeowner in Wales. If there's no grant, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation cost the least for the savings they give.
- Green Homes Wales loans: interest-free loans of £1,000 to £25,000 over up to 10 years, with a free home assessment. No means test, but there are credit and affordability checks. The Development Bank of Wales runs it; register your interest after a call to Nest.
- Warm Home Discount: £150 off the winter electricity bill for eligible households in Wales, usually paid without applying. See the Warm Home Discount guide.
- Disabled Facilities Grant: up to £36,000 from the council to adapt a home, heating included. See the Disabled Facilities Grant guide.
Common questions about the Nest Wales scheme
Is Nest Wales free?
Yes, for households that qualify. The Welsh Government pays for the package the assessor designs. Advice from Nest is free for everyone.
Can council or housing association tenants get Nest?
No. Nest is for owners and private tenants. Social tenants should ask their landlord.
My home is EPC D. Can I still get Nest?
With a qualifying health condition, yes. Without one, the home goes on a reserve list.
Are there other insulation grants in Wales?
Any homeowner in Wales can get £7,500 off a heat pump from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and the Warm Home Discount applies here too.
Get an installer survey quote
Not eligible for Nest? Accredited installers in Wales can survey the home and quote.