If you only do one home energy upgrade, make it the attic. It’s cheap, quick, heavily subsidised, and it tackles where most homes lose the most heat. Here’s what it costs in Ireland, the SEAI grant by house type, and how to claim it.
Short answer
The SEAI attic insulation grant is worth €1,100–€2,000 depending on your home type. It’s usually the best-value upgrade you can make.
Attic insulation grant by house type (2026)
| House type | Standard grant | First-time buyer / qualifying welfare |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | €1,100 | €1,400 |
| Mid-terrace | €1,400 | €1,800 |
| Semi-detached / end-terrace | €1,500 | €1,900 |
| Detached | €2,000 | €2,500 |
Note
Enhanced amounts for first-time buyers apply to purchases on or after 1 January 2025. Confirm your figure on the SEAI attic insulation page.
Eligibility
- Home built and occupied before 2011
- Valid MPRN on your electricity bill
- SEAI-registered contractor
- Applied and approved before work starts
What it actually costs
Attic insulation is one of the cheaper measures, and the grant often covers a large share of the job — sometimes most of it for a straightforward roll-out insulation in a standard attic. Costs rise if your attic needs boarding, access work, or spray/rigid insulation for a converted or awkward space. As always, get a written quote from a registered contractor.
Why it’s the smartest first move
- Heat rises — an uninsulated attic is a chimney for your heating budget.
- It’s the cheapest way to cut your heating bill and improve your BER.
- It’s a prerequisite mindset for bigger upgrades: insulate before you install a heat pump, so the system can be smaller and cheaper to run.
Next, look at wall insulation, the other big heat-loss area, and the full insulation guide for the right order to do things.
Note
This is general information, not financial advice. Grant amounts and eligibility change — confirm current figures with SEAI before you commit.