National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026: What It Means for Homeowners
The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 represents a major step forward for homeowners across Ireland, making home energy upgrades more affordable, more flexible, and accessible to many more households.
Announced by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien, the plan introduces a wide range of new and enhanced grants administered by SEAI, helping homeowners create warmer, healthier homes with lower energy bills.
At KORE Retrofit, we support homeowners at every stage of this journey whether you’re planning a small upgrade or a full deep retrofit delivered through the SEAI One Stop Shop.
A More Realistic Retrofit Pathway
A key shift under the 2026 plan is the recognition that not every home can be upgraded in one go. Homeowners can now:
Upgrade their home in phases
Focus on fabric first, insulation, windows, doors
Work toward heat pump readiness over time
Match upgrades to budget and household needs
This flexible approach aligns closely with how KORE Retrofit works with homeowners building a long-term upgrade plan that delivers comfort now and performance into the future.
Higher Insulation Grants (From 3rd of February)
Grants for attic insulation and cavity wall insulation are increasing to reflect rising costs. These higher fixed grants:
Reduce upfront costs
Deliver immediate comfort improvements
Provide a strong foundation for future upgrades
For many homeowners, these are the most cost-effective first steps in their retrofit journey and ones KORE Retrofit frequently recommends as part of a wider upgrade plan.
Heat Pump Grants Increased to €12,500
To address upfront costs associated with switching to renewable heating, a new fixed-amount heat pump system grant has been introduced. The grant includes:
€6,500 for the heat pump
€2,000 for radiator and pipework upgrades
€4,000 renewable heating bonus
➡️ Total grant support of up to €12,500
A new high-temperature heat pump pilot will also assess emerging technologies for homes that may not yet be fully fabric-upgraded.
As an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop, KORE Retrofit manages the entire heat pump upgrade process from assessment and design to installation and grant management.
New Windows & Doors Grants (From 2 March)
For the first time, homeowners can access a dedicated grant for energy-efficient windows and doors. These grants apply where:
The home already meets, or will meet, a minimum building fabric standard
Measures are combined with insulation upgrades where required
This is a major comfort upgrade, reducing draughts and heat loss while improving airtightness and a key step toward heat pump readiness.
Support for First-Time Buyers
First-time buyers of existing homes will benefit from a new, higher attic insulation grant. In many cases, this grant:
Covers most or all of the cost
Delivers fast comfort and efficiency gains
Helps new homeowners begin their retrofit journey without committing to a full deep retrofit
KORE Retrofit regularly works with first-time buyers to create phased upgrade plans that suit early ownership budgets.
More Options for Homes Already Upgraded
From March 2026, homeowners who previously received grants for wall insulation can now apply for a “second wall” insulation measure. This allows:
Further improvements to thermal performance
Better comfort and lower energy bills
Greater suitability for heat pumps
Stronger Support for Vulnerable Households
Homeowners on qualifying welfare payments will receive:
Higher fixed grants for attic and cavity wall insulation
In many cases, grants covering most or all of the total cost
Faster access to impactful upgrades
Importantly, accessing these grants does not affect eligibility for other Warmer Homes Scheme supports.
Local Authorities & Approved Housing Bodies
The plan also strengthens retrofit delivery at scale:
Local Authorities can access Better Energy Homes grants alongside deep retrofit programmes
Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) will receive grant rates of up to: ~75% for standard homes, ~80% for fuel-poor homes
Combined supports could fund over 90% of total upgrade costs
This helps address some of Ireland’s hardest-to-retrofit homes.
Why Choose KORE Retrofit?
For homeowners who want to upgrade their home in one coordinated project, the SEAI One Stop Shop remains the simplest route. With KORE Retrofit:
Your retrofit is fully managed from start to finish
Grants are deducted upfront, reducing cashflow pressure
You benefit from all new 2026 grant increases
Access to low-cost retrofit finance through participating lenders
Whether you’re starting with insulation, planning for a heat pump, or aiming for a deep retrofit, our team provides expert guidance tailored to your home.
A Better Time to Retrofit
Between 2019 and 2025, over 244,000 Irish homes were upgraded with €1.67 billion in government support. The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 builds on this momentum widening access, increasing flexibility, and lowering cost barriers.
For homeowners, there has never been a better time to start or continue your retrofit journey.
Contact KORE Retrofit today to explore your options and start planning your home energy upgrade.