SEAI windows and doors grant: How it works in 2026
How much the standalone grant pays, who qualifies, the technical rules your new windows and doors must meet, and the steps to claim.
Last reviewed 8 October 2026 · Written by the Brega Glazing team
In short
| Windows | €1,500 apartment, €1,800 mid-terrace, €3,000 semi-detached or end-terrace, €4,000 detached |
| Doors | €800 per external door, up to two doors (€1,600) |
| Homes | Built and occupied before 2011 |
| Insulation test | Heat Loss Indicator of 2.3 W/m²K or lower, shown on a BER |
| Performance | New windows and doors at 1.4 W/m²K or better |
| Contractor | Must be on SEAI’s register |
In early 2026, SEAI introduced a standalone grant for replacing windows and external doors, separate from the full home energy upgrade schemes. Before that, windows were only grant-aided as part of a deeper retrofit. The scheme was announced on 27 January 2026 and the online application portal opened on 3 March 2026.
How much is the grant?
The window grant depends on your type of home:
- Apartment or duplex: €1,500
- Mid-terrace house: €1,800
- Semi-detached or end-of-terrace house: €3,000
- Detached house: €4,000
On top of that, €800 per external door, for up to two doors. The maximum combined grant is €5,600 for a detached house. The grant is a contribution towards the cost, not the full cost, and it isn’t means-tested.
Who qualifies?
- Age of home. It must have been built and occupied before 2011.
- Insulation first. SEAI wants windows done in homes that are already reasonably well insulated. Your home needs a Heat Loss Indicator (HLI) of 2.3 W/m²K or lower, confirmed by a BER assessment. In practice, your attic and walls should already be insulated to a good standard.
- Who can apply. Homeowners, and landlords for rental properties.
What the new windows and doors must meet
- A U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better for the new windows and doors.
- Installation by a contractor on SEAI’s register. Ask any contractor, including us, to confirm their registration before you rely on the grant.
- All the windows and doors in your application are done together. Staged claims aren’t allowed, and you can only apply once.
The steps, in order
- Check your BER and HLI. If you don’t have a recent BER showing your Heat Loss Indicator, book an assessment.
- Choose a registered contractor and get a quote that specifies U-values for every window and door.
- Apply to SEAI through its online portal. Do this before the work starts, unless SEAI tells you otherwise. Works ordered since 27 January 2026 can qualify.
- Have the work done.
- Complete any required post-works BER and submit your claim with the paperwork SEAI asks for.
Alternatively, a One Stop Shop can handle the process for you as part of a larger upgrade, including the BER and the paperwork.
Getting the best from the grant
- Ask for whole-window U-values, not centre-of-glass figures. The grant threshold applies to the whole window.
- Think about which doors count. The door grant covers up to two external doors. If you’re replacing a front door and patio doors, include both.
- Don’t let the grant decide the spec on its own. The cheapest window that just hits 1.4 isn’t always the best value over 30 years.
Other SEAI supports
Households on certain social welfare payments, in homes built and occupied before 2006, may qualify for free upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme, which can include windows. Check eligibility with SEAI.
Grant amounts and rules can change. Always confirm the current terms on seai.ie before ordering. This guide is general information, not financial advice.
More guides
SEAI grant FAQs
How much is the SEAI grant for windows in 2026?
€1,500 for an apartment, €1,800 for a mid-terrace house, €3,000 for a semi-detached or end-of-terrace house and €4,000 for a detached house. External doors get €800 each, for up to two doors.
Does my house qualify for the SEAI windows grant?
It must have been built and occupied before 2011, and be reasonably well insulated already, with a Heat Loss Indicator of 2.3 W/m²K or lower confirmed by a BER. The work must be done by a contractor on SEAI’s register.
What U-value do windows need for the SEAI grant?
New windows and doors must achieve a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better. Ask your contractor for the whole-window figure for each window.
Can I apply for the grant after the windows are fitted?
Don’t count on it. Works ordered from 27 January 2026 can qualify, but SEAI’s rules on timing are specific and grants generally can’t be backdated. Check with SEAI before your works start, and keep every quote, invoice and BER document.
Can landlords get the windows and doors grant?
Yes. Private landlords can apply for rental properties that meet the same age, insulation and contractor conditions.