Gas Boiler Ban 2035: What Has Changed and What Homeowners Need to Know
There has been a lot of noise about a “gas boiler ban”. Here is the practical truth for homeowners: you are not being forced to rip out a working boiler, and you can still repair and replace gas boilers in existing homes. However, the direction of travel for new homes and incentives is toward low-carbon heating, so it is worth understanding your options.
The Key Facts (December 2025)
- No forced removals: You are not required to remove a working gas boiler
- Existing homes: Repairs and like-for-like replacements remain available
- New homes: Standards are moving toward low-carbon heating, so gas boilers are increasingly unlikely in new builds
- Grants: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers support toward heat pump installations (eligibility applies)
- Best advice: Decide based on your home’s insulation, hot water demand, and how long you plan to stay
Fast Decision Guide (3 Scenarios)
- Your boiler works fine: Service it annually and run it until it becomes unreliable
- Your boiler is failing now: Compare a new gas boiler vs heat pump (grant) based on cost and suitability
- You are renovating or buying new build: Plan for low-carbon heating and fabric upgrades early to avoid expensive redesigns
In This Guide
What Has Changed?
The “gas boiler ban” story has been messy because the policy conversation has shifted. There has been discussion about phasing out new gas boiler sales by 2035, but the position has changed and messaging has focused on incentives rather than forcing households to switch.
What you should take away
- Do not panic: a working boiler is not being removed
- Do not delay urgent repairs: safety and reliability come first
- Do think ahead: if you are renovating or buying new build, heating choices matter more now than 10 years ago
What This Means for Existing Homeowners
Your current boiler
- Keep using it: there is no requirement to remove a working gas boiler
- Service it: annual servicing improves safety and reduces breakdown risk
- Repair it: most faults are repairable and parts remain widely available
Book a safety service here: boiler servicing London.
When your boiler needs replacing
- Gas to gas: a like-for-like replacement is still a normal option for many homes
- Consider alternatives: heat pumps can be excellent in the right property, especially with grants
- Get advice: suitability depends on insulation, radiators, hot water demand, and available space
If you are weighing replacement, read: repair vs replace.
New Build Rules and Standards
New homes are being pushed toward higher efficiency and lower carbon heating. In practice this means many new builds are designed around heat pumps or other low-carbon systems, plus better insulation and ventilation.
Buying a new-build home
- Expect low-carbon heating in many developments
- Expect higher insulation standards than older housing stock
- Ask the developer what the heating system is and what running costs to expect
Extensions and major renovations
Large projects can trigger building control requirements that affect insulation, ventilation and heating design. If you are doing major work, plan heating early so you are not forced into last-minute expensive changes.
Heat Pumps Explained
Heat pumps are the main alternative being promoted. They move heat from outside into your home (rather than creating heat by burning gas). They can be very efficient, but performance depends on the home and system design.
What heat pumps need to work well
- Good insulation: loft and wall insulation make a bigger difference than most people expect
- Correct sizing: the unit must match the home’s heat loss
- Heat emitters: radiators may need upsizing or balancing to work at lower temperatures
- Outdoor space: air source systems need a suitable external location
Heat pump vs gas boiler (the honest take)
- Heat pump wins in a well-insulated home where you plan to stay long-term
- Gas boiler wins when you need a straightforward replacement and the home is not yet “heat pump ready”
Grants and Incentives
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides financial support toward heat pump installations (eligibility rules apply, and the installer typically handles the application process).
Other support you may hear about
- VAT relief: some energy-saving measures may have reduced VAT
- Planning: rules have been discussed and adjusted over time to reduce friction for heat pump installs
If you want advice on whether a heat pump makes sense for your home right now, speak to an engineer and compare with a like-for-like boiler quote.
Other Alternatives to Gas Boilers
Electric boilers
Electric boilers can be useful where there is no gas supply, or where heat pump installation is not practical. They are simple to fit but running costs can be higher depending on tariffs and usage.
See: electric boiler services.
Hybrid systems
A hybrid combines a heat pump with a gas boiler. The heat pump covers most heating, and the boiler supports peak demand. This can be a sensible stepping-stone for some properties.
Hydrogen-ready boilers
Hydrogen-ready boilers exist, but widespread hydrogen for home heating is not guaranteed and timelines are uncertain. Treat it as a “maybe”, not a plan.
Should You Replace Your Gas Boiler Now?
When a new gas boiler makes sense
- Your boiler is failing and you need a reliable replacement quickly
- Your home is not well-insulated and upgrading fabric is not on the cards yet
- You do not have suitable external space for a heat pump
- You want the simplest integration with existing radiators and pipework
When to seriously consider a heat pump
- You are already well-insulated (or renovating anyway)
- You plan to stay long-term and want to reduce carbon
- You have suitable outdoor space
- You are happy to design the system properly (sizing, emitters, controls)
If you are choosing a replacement boiler type, start here: combi vs system vs regular boiler, then read: new boiler buyer’s guide.
Implications for Landlords
- Annual gas safety checks remain essential
- Reliable heating reduces voids, complaints, and emergency callouts
- Energy efficiency standards and EPC requirements can change, so keep an eye on guidance
What Might Happen Next
Even without a hard “ban”, policy direction can still shift through incentives, standards, and building regulations. Expect a continued push toward lower-carbon heating, especially for new builds and major refurbishments.
- Heat pump costs and installer capacity may improve over time
- Electricity pricing and smart tariffs can change the running cost maths
- Standards for new homes are likely to remain tougher than older stock
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be forced to remove my gas boiler?
No. You are not required to remove a working gas boiler. If it is safe and reliable, keep it serviced and run it.
Can I still buy a new gas boiler?
Yes. Like-for-like replacement gas boilers are still available for existing homes.
Are gas boilers being banned in new homes?
New homes are being pushed toward lower-carbon heating through tighter standards. Many new builds are designed around heat pumps or similar systems.
Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a gas boiler?
It depends. Heat pumps can be very efficient, but running costs depend on insulation, system design, electricity tariffs, and the heat pump’s performance.
Will my radiators work with a heat pump?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many homes need larger radiators or system balancing to heat properly at lower temperatures.
What is a hydrogen-ready boiler?
A hydrogen-ready boiler runs on natural gas now and may be convertible later. Widespread hydrogen for home heating is uncertain, so treat it as optional, not guaranteed.
Need Practical Boiler Advice?
Whether you are repairing your current boiler, replacing it, or comparing a heat pump quote, we can help you choose the safest and most cost-effective route for your home.