The BER landscape in Ireland continues to evolve. Here's a summary of the key changes and developments affecting BER certificates, energy upgrades, and property regulations in 2026.
Record €558 Million SEAI Budget for 2026
The government allocated a record-breaking €558 million in Budget 2026 to SEAI for home energy upgrades — the largest investment in residential retrofit in Ireland's history, targeting 70,000 homes. This brings substantially increased grants across the board.
New SEAI Windows and Doors Grant
One of the most significant changes in 2026 is the introduction of the SEAI windows and doors grant of up to €3,000. Previously, there was no dedicated grant for window and door replacement, homeowners had to fund this upgrade entirely themselves or include it in a One Stop Shop deep retrofit. The new grant makes this highly impactful upgrade much more accessible, particularly for older homes with single glazing or early double glazing. As with all SEAI grants, a before-works and after-works BER assessment is required.
Heat Pump Grant Increase
The heat pump grant has been significantly increased for 2026. The base grant is now €6,500, and homeowners replacing a fossil fuel heating system (oil or gas boiler) can claim an additional €6,000 Renewable Heat Bonus, bringing the total to up to €12,500. Combined with the reduced 9% VAT rate on heat pumps (introduced January 2025), heat pumps are now more affordable than ever.
New Supports for First-Time Buyers and Welfare Recipients
From March 2026, first-time buyers of existing homes can access a higher fixed grant for attic insulation. For homeowners on qualifying welfare payments, new higher fixed-amount grants for attic and cavity wall insulation are available — in many cases covering most or all of the total cost. These homeowners can access these grants immediately without losing their place on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list.
Second Wall Insulation Measure Now Allowed
From March 2026, homeowners who previously received a grant for cavity wall or internal wall insulation can now apply for a second wall insulation measure. This means you can add external wall insulation on top of existing cavity fill, further improving your home's thermal performance.
Proposed Minimum BER Standards for Rental Properties
The Irish government continues to develop proposals for minimum BER standards for rental properties. While the exact requirements and timelines are still being finalised, the direction is clear, rental properties will eventually need to meet a minimum energy performance standard. Proposals have discussed requiring a minimum of B2 or C1 by target dates in the late 2020s. Landlords should be planning now rather than waiting for deadlines. See our guide to BER for landlords and the minimum BER for rental properties for current obligations and how to prepare.
Updated Building Regulations (Part L)
Building regulations continue to tighten the energy performance requirements for new builds. The nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building) standard means all new homes must achieve A-rated BER performance. For developers and self-builders, this means detailed attention to insulation specifications, airtightness, heating systems, and renewable energy sources. Visit NewBuildBER.ie for our new build BER service.
Green Mortgage Products Expanding
Irish lenders continue to expand and improve their green mortgage products. More banks now offer preferential rates for energy-efficient homes, and some allow borrowers to improve their rate during the mortgage term by upgrading their BER. This is making energy efficiency a direct financial consideration in property transactions, not just a regulatory requirement.
One Stop Shop Grants
The SEAI's One Stop Shop scheme for whole-house deep retrofits continues to grow, with grants of up to €25,000 available for comprehensive upgrades that bring homes to B2 or better. The scheme uses registered One Stop Shop providers who manage the entire process, from initial assessment through to completion. A before-works and after-works BER is integral to the process. For more on how this works, see our before and after case studies. You should also check whether any BER exemptions apply to your property. showing real results from deep retrofits.
What This Means for Homeowners
If you're planning to sell, rent, or upgrade your home in 2026, getting a current BER assessment is a smart first step. It establishes your baseline, identifies the most cost-effective upgrades, and positions you to take advantage of grants and green mortgage products. The regulations are only going to get stricter. Getting ahead of them now saves you money and stress later — and properties that keep pace will hold their value better. For a comprehensive overview of available grants and upgrades, visit HomeEnergyGuide.ie.
Get your 2026 BER assessment: Call Justin on 087 777 4155. We'll assess your home, explain your options, and help you plan any upgrades to maximise grants and value.