What are the new rules for gas boilers?

This article was updated on 5th February 2025

In Scotland, the landscape of home heating has undergone significant changes with the implementation of new regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy efficiency. As of 2025, these rules are in full effect, impacting homeowners, builders, and the housing market at large.

Background and implementation

The Scottish Government has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. A substantial portion of these emissions—approximately 20%—originates from heating buildings. To address this, regulations have been introduced to phase out the installation of gas and oil boilers in new homes. As of 2025, new residential constructions are required to utilize low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps or connections to district heating networks, instead of traditional fossil fuel-based boilers.

Impact on new builds

For new-build properties, the regulations mandate the incorporation of zero-emission heating solutions. Builders and developers have adapted to these requirements by designing homes equipped with systems that align with the Future Homes Standard, ensuring a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to previous building regulations. This shift not only contributes to environmental goals but also offers homeowners benefits such as improved energy efficiency and potential long-term cost savings on energy bills.

Implications for existing homes

Existing homeowners are not immediately required to replace their current gas or oil boilers. However, the government has set forth a timeline encouraging the transition to low-carbon heating systems. By 2035, there is an expectation to phase out the installation of new gas boilers in existing homes, promoting alternatives that support the net-zero objective. Homeowners are encouraged to consider upgrading to more sustainable heating options as part of renovations or when replacing outdated systems.

Available alternatives to gas boilers

Several viable alternatives to traditional gas boilers are now being implemented in new homes and considered for existing properties:

• Heat Pumps: Devices that extract heat from external sources—air, ground, or water—and transfer it indoors. They are highly efficient and suitable for a variety of property types.
• District Heating Systems: Networks that provide heat to multiple buildings from a central source, often utilizing renewable energy or waste heat, offering an efficient solution for densely populated areas.
• Hydrogen Boilers: An emerging technology where boilers are powered by hydrogen instead of natural gas. While still in developmental stages, they represent a potential future alternative.

Financial considerations and support

Transitioning to low-carbon heating systems involves initial investment costs, which can be higher than traditional boiler installations. To alleviate financial barriers, the Scottish Government has extended subsidies to support homeowners in adopting these technologies. As of 2025, a grant of £7,500 is available to assist with the installation of heat pumps, aiming to make sustainable heating solutions more accessible.

Future outlook

The implementation of these regulations marks a significant step toward Scotland's environmental objectives. While the immediate impact is on new constructions, the broader goal encompasses a gradual transition for all homes to adopt zero-emission heating systems by 2045. Homeowners are encouraged to stay informed about available technologies and consider proactive upgrades in line with future regulatory expectations.

The 2025 regulations phasing out gas boilers in new Scottish homes represent a pivotal move toward sustainable living and environmental responsibility. By embracing low-carbon heating alternatives, Scotland is progressing toward its net-zero targets, fostering a greener future for all residents. For those interested in exploring properties equipped with modern, sustainable heating systems, ESPC offers a range of listings that align with these new standards. Discover homes with air source heat pumps, condensing boilers and more.