Does a new-build (post-2010) qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Yes — the £7,500 BUS grant applies to any owner-occupied or privately rented property in England or Wales with a valid EPC. Properties built since 2025 under the Future Homes Standard ship with heat pumps as default — BUS does NOT apply to replacement of an existing low-carbon heating system.

What size heat pump do I need for a new-build (post-2010)?

3–6 kW thermal output is typical, with 5 kW being the median. The exact size depends on a heat-loss calculation per BS EN 12831, which your MCS-certified installer performs on a site visit.

What pre-install work is typically needed?

Usually none. New-build fabric performance is already heat-pump-compatible. Radiator upgrade rarely needed — modern radiator sizing handles 50°C flow. An MCS-certified installer will confirm the exact scope on a site visit and price it into the quote.

Heat pump for a New-build (post-2010): 2026 cost + sizing guide

What makes a new-build (post-2010) different

Newly-built UK home with modern insulation, double or triple glazing and typical 70–130 m² floorplate.

From a heat-pump-sizing perspective, a new-build (post-2010) has a design heat loss of 25–45 W/m² at the UK standard −2°C external design temperature (per PAS 2035). That translates to an annual space-heat demand of around 4,500–8,500 kWh and a recommended air-source heat pump capacity of 3–6 kW thermal. Smaller than gas-boiler sizing typically lands at — heat pumps run 24/7 at lower flow temperatures rather than cycling at 70°C.

Heat pump sizing + install figures — New-build (post-2010)
Parameter	Typical range	Notes
Floor area	70–130 m²	BEIS English Housing Survey median.
Design heat loss	25–45 W/m²	At −2°C external (UK design temp).
Annual heat demand	4,500–8,500 kWh	Space heating only, not DHW.
Recommended ASHP size	3–6 kW	Per BS EN 12831 sizing.
Pre-grant install cost	£8700–£13100	Including pump, cylinder, 1–3 radiator upgrades.
After BUS grant	£1200–£5600	£7,500 deducted by installer at invoice.
Common EPC band	Band C	Before retrofit work.
Typical install time	2–3 days	Whole-house including cylinder + radiator swaps.

Heat pump sizing + install figures — New-build (post-2010)— Ranges are typical for the archetype; specific quote depends on property survey by an MCS-certified installer.

BUS grant eligibility specifics for this property type

Properties built since 2025 under the Future Homes Standard ship with heat pumps as default — BUS does NOT apply to replacement of an existing low-carbon heating system.
Pre-2025 new-builds on gas DO qualify for BUS to switch — no fabric work typically required.
Some new-builds have wet underfloor heating, which is ideal for heat-pump flow temperatures — confirm with installer.

Pre-install upgrades typically needed

Most new-build (post-2010)s need some fabric or radiator work before the heat pump can be commissioned. The most common scope:

Usually none. New-build fabric performance is already heat-pump-compatible.
Radiator upgrade rarely needed — modern radiator sizing handles 50°C flow.
Hot water cylinder install if currently on combi (varies — many new-builds already have an unvented cylinder).

The full scope is set by your MCS-certified installer’s heat-loss calculation. Most installers absorb the radiator swap and cylinder install within the BUS-grant pricing — you don’t have to coordinate them separately.

Is this archetype right for you?

Owners of post-2010 new-builds on gas. Cleanest possible install — usually 1 day work, smallest pump size, lowest install cost, fastest payback.

Check your specific home

The figures above are typical for the archetype. Your specific property may sit at either end of the range depending on orientation, occupancy and prior retrofit work. Run a free Propertoasty pre-survey — combines your address, EPC and Google Solar API roof data into an installer-ready report in about five minutes.