2026 SEAI grant amounts
Attic insulation: Up to €2,500 (often covers the full cost for standard homes).
Cavity wall insulation: Up to €2,300.
Heat pump installation: Up to €12,500 (doubled from 2025). You pay the rest; installers can finance the difference.
Windows and doors: Grants available (check current rates).
BER (Building Energy Rating) upgrade grant: Up to €280 for getting your home assessed and rated.
Enhanced grants for welfare recipients and first-time buyers: Add €500–€1,000 on top.
Who qualifies
You must own the home (private residential property). You must apply before starting work — grants are for future work, not retrospective.
Grants are subject to a waiting list. In 2026, apply early if you want to start work in spring/summer.
First-time buyers: You qualify for enhanced grants and don't need to fund a match (some schemes require you to co-fund).
Welfare recipients: Qualify for higher grant amounts.
How to apply
Step 1: Get a free BER assessment (Building Energy Rating). This identifies which upgrades save the most energy. Your assessor will advise on eligible grants.
Step 2: Go to seai.ie and apply for the grant scheme that matches your upgrade (attic insulation, heat pump, etc.). You'll need your BER rating.
Step 3: Once approved, get quotes from any contractor (SEAI-approved or not). SEAI reimburses you after work is complete.
Step 4: Complete the work and submit invoices to SEAI. They pay you within 30 days.
Timeline and waiting lists
In 2026, attic insulation has a 6–12 month waiting list. Heat pumps have shorter waits (2–4 months). Apply early if you want summer installation.
Processing takes 4–8 weeks after you submit your application. Approval adds another 2–4 weeks before you can start work.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don't start work before approval. Grants are only for work done after you receive approval. If you start early, you lose the grant.
Don't hire a contractor and have them invoice SEAI. SEAI reimburses you, not the contractor. You pay the contractor, then claim from SEAI.
Don't ignore the waiting list. Popular schemes have 6–12 month waits. If you want summer work, apply now (even if waits are long).
Next steps
Visit seai.ie and find your local BER assessor.
Book a free assessment (usually takes 1 hour).
Get your BER rating and read the recommendations.
Apply for grants matching your upgrade priorities.
Use CentSmart to calculate if upgrading (e.g., heat pump) reduces your energy costs enough to justify the upfront cost.