UK Gas Boiler Ban Update 2026: Is the 2035 Phase-Out Still Happening?

If you have been holding on to an old, inefficient boiler because you are worried about a government ban, the landscape has just shifted significantly.

For years, homeowners have been asking: “Will gas boilers be banned in 2035?“. The uncertainty has left many unsure whether to invest in a modern gas system or wait for heat pump technology to become cheaper.

The government has now released its long-awaited Warm Homes Plan, and it brings much-needed clarity. The headline news is that the strict ban on new gas boilers by 2035 has been effectively scrapped in favour of a more flexible approach.

Here is everything you need to know about the new rules, the £7,500 grants, and what this means for your home heating.

Will I be forced to replace my gas boiler?

The short answer is no. Under the new Warm Homes Plan, there will be no strict phase-out date for gas boilers.

While previous targets aimed to phase out new gas boiler installations by 2035 to meet net-zero goals, the government has opted against a rigid ban. Instead of forcing households to switch, the government is adopting a “carrot, not stick” approach.

The focus is now on making green alternatives like heat pumps more attractive and affordable, rather than making gas boilers illegal.

If you have a working gas boiler, or if you are looking to buy a new one, you are not being penalised. You can continue to heat your home with gas without fear of a sudden deadline forcing you to rip it out.

What is the ‘Warm Homes Plan’ and what does it mean for me?

The Warm Homes Plan is a massive £15bn investment package designed to overhaul 5 million UK dwellings and tackle the cost of living crisis. The ultimate goal is to cut energy bills by as much as £1,000 a year for typical households.

It isn’t just about boilers; the plan covers a wide range of home upgrades:

Is the £7,500 Heat Pump Grant still available?

Yes. While gas boilers remain safe, the government is still heavily backing the switch to low-carbon heating for those who want it.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has received a £2.7bn boost, confirming that the £7,500 grant for installing a heat pump remains in place.

The government has set a target to install 450,000 heat pumps a year by 2030. To achieve this, they are keeping the upfront financial support high to bridge the gap between gas boilers and heat pumps. If you have been considering a heat pump to future-proof your home, the funding is secure.

The plan also includes £2bn for low-cost loans to help homeowners who can afford repayments but struggle with the initial upfront costs.

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New rules for Landlords and Renters

If you are a landlord, this update contains a crucial change in direction. The new plan states that landlords will be forced to ensure their rental properties are energy efficient.

Jargon Buster: EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
A legally required document that rates a property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Landlords must meet specific EPC ratings to legally rent out a property.

While the previous government had backed off from imposing strict EPC targets on the private rented sector, the current administration has made it clear that “people have a right to warm, safe, affordable homes”. This means if you own rental properties, you may soon face stricter requirements to upgrade insulation or heating systems to meet new efficiency standards.

Should I buy a new gas boiler or wait?

With the threat of a ban removed, the decision now comes down to your budget and your property’s suitability.

An Engineer’s View

“While heat pumps are fantastic for well-insulated homes, a modern A-rated gas boiler remains the most practical and efficient choice for older properties where insulation upgrades aren’t immediately feasible. It’s about fitting the right heat source to the building’s current fabric, not just chasing the latest trend.”

– Matthew Powell, Gas Safe Engineer

• Stick with Gas: If your current boiler is unreliable or inefficient (G-rated), upgrading to a modern A-rated gas boiler is now a safe, long-term investment. You will see immediate savings on your bills without the worry of having to remove the unit in 10 years.
• Switch to a Heat Pump: If you want to lower your carbon footprint and insulate yourself from gas price fluctuations, the £7,500 grant makes heat pumps a very viable option. They work best in well-insulated homes, and with the new low-cost loans available, the upfront barrier is lower than ever.

Get a Fixed Price Quote

Whether you decide to stick with a reliable combi boiler or make the switch to a heat pump, WarmZilla is here to help. We can provide fixed-price quotes for both modern gas boilers and heat pump installations, helping you find the perfect heating solution for your home.