Ground Source Heat Pump Cost UK (2026)
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Ground source heat pumps collect heat from pipes buried in your garden or deep boreholes, where the temperature stays around 10°C all year. That stable heat source makes them very efficient but expensive to install.
Heat pump vs gas boiler running cost calculator
Gas boiler: £1,042 a year. Heat pump: £1,009 a year. Heat pump saves about £33 a year.
- Gas boiler / year
- £1,042
- Heat pump / year
- £1,009
- Difference
- −£33
Boiler: 11500 kWh ÷ 88% × 7.97p. Heat pump: 11500 kWh ÷ SCOP 3 × 26.32p.
Ground source heat pump costs by collector type
| Collector | Land needed | Typical cost | After grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal trenches | Large garden (2–3× floor area) | £18,000–£25,000 | £10,500–£17,500 |
| Single borehole | Small footprint | £25,000–£30,000 | £17,500–£22,500 |
| Multiple boreholes | Large homes | £30,000–£45,000 | £22,500–£37,500 |
| Shared ground loop | Terraces, new developments | £12,000–£18,000 | £4,500–£10,500 |
What affects the cost
Collector type
Boreholes cost more but need little land.
Ground conditions
Rock and clay affect drilling costs and heat yield.
Heat demand
Larger homes need longer loops or more boreholes.
Access
Drilling rigs need vehicle access to the garden.
Garden reinstatement
Lawns and patios must be restored after trenching.
How to reduce the cost
- Consider shared ground loops on terraced streets
- Combine with garden landscaping work
- Get a geological survey for boreholes
- Compare against an air source quote
Frequently asked questions
Is ground source better than air source?
It's more efficient and quieter but costs roughly twice as much to install.
How much land do I need?
Horizontal loops need roughly two to three times your home's floor area. Boreholes need very little.
How long does a ground loop last?
Ground loops can last 50–100 years; the heat pump unit itself around 20–25 years.
Can I get the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for ground source?
Yes — £7,500 in England and Wales.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.