The Gas Boiler Ban 2035: What's Changed?

Gas boilers are the main source of heating and hot water in millions of homes across the UK. But, potentially, new gas boilers could be banned by the year 2035 as successive British governments aim for a net zero future. Here’s everything you need to know about the gas boiler ban including why it is being considered, when it could come into force and how it affects homeowners and buy-to-let investors.

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Robert Jones, Founder of Property Investments UK

  • by Robert Jones, Founder of Property Investments UK

    With nearly two decades in UK property, Rob has been investing in buy-to-let since 2005, and uses property data to develop tools for property market analysis.
3D render of a home gas boiler.

Timeline of the Gas Boiler Ban

The gas boiler ban has undergone significant changes since its initial proposal. Here's a breakdown of the key dates and developments:

Beyond 2035, no new natural gas boilers will be sold. However, homeowners won't be forced to remove functioning gas boilers. The transition will occur gradually as boilers reach the end of their working lives.

The gas boiler ban is a crucial part of the UK government's strategy to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. In September 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced significant changes to the ban, stating:

I'll never force anyone to rip out their existing boiler and replace it with a heat pump. You'll only ever have to make the switch when you're replacing your boiler anyway, and even then, not until 2035.

This announcement has important implications for homeowners and landlords across the UK who were worried about the costly changes of replacing perfectly fine boilers before they  needed to be replaced.

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What is the Gas Boiler Ban and Why Is It Happening?

The gas boiler ban is an initiative to phase out the installation of new gas boilers in favour of low-carbon alternatives. The primary reasons for this ban include:

  • Reducing CO2 Emissions: Homes account for about 14% of the UK's carbon emissions, with a significant portion coming from gas boilers.
  • Meeting Net Zero Targets: The UK aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
  • Promoting Sustainable Heating: The ban encourages the adoption of more environmentally friendly heating solutions.

As Rishi Sunak explained:

We need to reduce our emissions. And when I look at our economic future, I see huge opportunities in green industry.

However, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the need for a balanced approach:

There's nothing ambitious about simply asserting a goal for a short-term headline without being honest with the public about the tough choices and sacrifices involved.

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Impact on Homeowners and Landlords

The gas boiler ban will have several implications for property owners:

  1. Existing Gas Boilers: You won't be forced to remove your current gas boiler if it's still functioning.
  2. Replacements After 2035: When your existing boiler needs replacement after 2035, you'll need to choose a low-carbon alternative.
  3. Property Values: The energy efficiency of homes may become a more significant factor in property valuation with changes to the EPC rating for rented properties a big part of this upgrading of the UK housing market.
  4. Long-term Planning: Homeowners and landlords should start considering future heating options and potential costs if they are undertaking large scale developments in the next 10 years.

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Government Grants and Financial Support: Boiler Upgrade Scheme

To support the transition to low-carbon heating, the government has introduced grants in the form of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Key points include:

  • Grant Amount: Increased to £7,500 (up from £5,000-£6,000 previously)
  • Eligibility: Available for various low-carbon heating systems, including heat pumps
  • Application Process: Through certified installers
  • Timeline: The scheme is set to run until 31 March 2028 for property owners

In his September 2023 Rishi Sunak emphasised the Conservative government's commitment to supporting this transition:

Rather than banning boilers before people can afford the alternative; we're going to support them to make the switch.

However, in 2024 Ed Miliband from the Labour party announced their intention to scrap this 2035 target altogether, although he did praise the current boiler upgrade scheme.

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Gas Boiler Alternatives

Although the boiler ban is not enshrined in law and based on previous years, timelines keep getting adjusted, if the gas boiler ban does come in what are your alternatives for heating your home if you wish to replace your gas boiler?

  • Heat Pumps
    • Types: Air source and ground source
    • Costs: £6,000-£18,000 (before grants)
    • Benefits: High efficiency, lower running costs, reduced carbon emissions
    • Savings: Potential to save £1,300 annually for a four-bedroom house
  • Infrared Panels
    • How they work: Heat objects directly rather than the air
    • Costs: £2,000-£3,000 for a three-bedroom home
    • Benefits: Quick to heat, can be used in 'hard to heat' areas
    • Savings: Can lower heating costs by 30-50%, depending on insulation
  • Hydrogen Boilers
    • Current status: In development, with a 20% hydrogen blend being introduced to the mains supply
    • Potential: Could function similarly to current gas boilers, minimising disruption
    • Costs: Expected to be similar to current gas boilers

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Close up of a plumbers hand repairing a gas boiler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q). Should I put in a new boiler now?

A). If you are due to replace your current gas boiler then putting in a new one now shouldn't be an issue, especially if that is the best financially for you as it can still provide an improvement in your current EPC. On current timelines, even in 2035 you won't have to replace your working gas boiler so make the best decision for you now based on your own preference and needs, not on some potential change in 2035.

Q). Will I be forced to replace my working gas boiler after 2035?

A). No, you won't be forced to remove a functioning gas boiler. The current guideline and ban are aimed at new installations only AFTER 2035.

Q). How will this affect property values?

A). Energy efficiency may become a more significant factor in property valuation in the coming years. Homes with low-carbon heating systems could potentially see increased value, improved longer-term tenancies with greater rental yields and returns, and even lower mortgage rates.

Q). What about off-grid properties?

A). Off-grid properties using oil or LPG boilers are also included in the 2035 deadline, extended from the original timeline.

Q). Are there any exemptions to the new rules?

A). In 2023 the Prime Minister at the time, Rishi Sunak mentioned introducing

a new exemption for households for whom this will be hardest.

But specific details are yet to be announced on what those exemptions might be

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Conclusion

By understanding these changes and planning ahead, homeowners, investors and landlords can navigate the transition to low-carbon heating effectively.

Having a plan to improve your energy efficiency can bring lots of benefits, not just financial benefits but for the long-term improvement of the property for your tenants.

However it is important to consider, that these are suggested targets by the government and a few years away, so if you need to change your gas boiler today then swapping for a new improved gas boiler is perfectly reasonable.

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