Second homes, holiday lets and empty properties under ECO4: what UK owners should check (2026)

Guide by ApplyFreeBoiler.uk (Reliant Energy Solutions Ltd), a heating and insulation installer in Bury, Greater Manchester. We are not the government, Ofgem or an energy supplier.

We are often asked whether ECO4 heating or insulation help can be used on a property nobody lives in full time. ECO4 is aimed at homes that people live in, and the answer depends on who lives there and the scheme rules, so treat this page as general information, not a decision on any property. ApplyFreeBoiler.uk is a heating and insulation installer in Bury, not the government, Ofgem or an energy supplier.

1. Start with who actually lives in the property

ECO4 eligibility is built around the household living in the home, including the occupier's circumstances such as qualifying benefits or income routes. If nobody lives in a property as their home, ask the installer or supplier directly whether it can be considered at all before arranging any survey.

2. Holiday lets are usually treated as a business question

A property let to holidaymakers for short stays is generally run as a business rather than someone's home. If you own one, ask your installer how the scheme rules treat it before assuming help is available, and keep a written note of the answer.

3. Empty properties between tenants

If a rented home is empty between tenancies, any ECO4 application normally depends on the tenant who will live there and the landlord's permission. Ask whether the work can wait until the new tenant has moved in and can be assessed as the household.

4. Second homes used by family members

If a relative lives in the property as their main home, the relevant household is theirs, not the owner's. They would normally need to be the person applying, with the owner's permission for the work.

5. Do not let anyone describe the property inaccurately

Be wary of anyone who suggests calling a property a main home when it is not, or listing someone as living there who does not. Inaccurate details can lead to work being refused or questioned later. Give the installer the true position from the start.

6. Look at other options if ECO4 does not fit

If the property does not qualify, ask your local council whether any other local energy advice or grant schemes apply, and compare quotes for paid work separately. Keep copies of any EPC and past work records, as they help with whatever route you take.

7. Check funding and local figures

See ECO measures by council on ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, built from DESNZ Household Energy Efficiency statistics, to see how many ECO measures have been installed in your local authority area. Use the ApplyFreeBoiler.uk eligibility check to see whether an ECO4 heating or insulation pathway may be available for your home in England, Scotland or Wales. ECO4 is due to close on 31 December 2026.