Guide · Costs
Heat pump cost for a 2-bed flat
Flats are the cheapest properties to heat — and the fiddliest to get consent for.
A heat pump for a 2-bed UK flat costs £7,000–£11,000 installed in 2026, before the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant (GOV.UK, 2026). Heat demand is low because of shared walls, so 4–6 kW is usually enough; the harder part is permission for the outdoor unit and a route for condensate drainage.
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Permissions come before prices
If you are a leaseholder you will need the freeholder’s written consent to fix a unit to the building or run new pipework through common parts. Ask early — this is the single most common reason a flat install stalls.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open to flats in England and Wales, and the property needs a valid EPC without outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations.
Where the outdoor unit goes
- Balcony mount with anti-vibration feet — most common in modern blocks.
- Wall bracket on a rear elevation, subject to noise limits under MCS 020.
- Ground-level plinth in a shared garden with freeholder consent.
- Air-to-air or exhaust air units where no external space exists at all.
Typical quote breakdown
- 4–6 kW air source unit: £3,500–£5,500.
- Cylinder (150–180 litre): £1,000–£1,600.
- Labour, brackets, electrical work: £2,000–£3,500.
- Radiator upgrades if needed: £600–£1,500.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you put a heat pump in a flat?
- Yes, with freeholder consent for the outdoor unit and drainage. Balcony and wall-mounted installs are common, and flats qualify for the £7,500 grant in England and Wales.
- How much does a heat pump cost for a flat?
- £7,000–£11,000 installed before the grant, reflecting lower heat demand and a smaller cylinder than a house.
- Do I need permission from my freeholder?
- Almost always, if the unit attaches to the building or pipework crosses common parts. Get it in writing before you sign an installer contract.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme — GOV.UK — Official guidance on the £7,500 BUS grant in England and Wales.
- MCS Certified — Installer certification scheme required for grant eligibility.
- Energy Saving Trust — Heat pump efficiency, running cost and SCOP benchmarks (UK).
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