Heat pumps mandatory when replacing a boiler

What changes?

Do you work in the installation (fitting) sector? A (hybrid) heat pump will become the standard for the heating of homes, shops, schools, and offices. This means people will be obligated to install a (hybrid) heat pump when their boiler needs to be replaced. If a building is not suitable for a hybrid heat pump, an electrical heat pump or a connection to the heat grid can be an alternative.

Subsidy

The government offers a subsidy to buy a heat pump. This subsidy amounts to, on average, 30% of the purchase price. People can also get financing in the form of a loan from the National Heat Fund (Nationaal Warmtefonds, in Dutch). The Heat Fund uses an interest rate of 0% for low and middle incomes.

Please note:

The Schoof government wants to abolish the heat pump obligation. This is stated in the outline agreement (Hoofdlijnenakkoord, in Dutch). A further elaboration of this plan will follow.

For whom?

• suppliers of heat pumps
• installers (fitters)
• owners of homes, shops, schools, and offices

When?

This change in the 'Decree on construction works in the living environment’ (Building Decree) is expected to enter into effect on 1 January 2026.

Please note: The effective date of this measure is not yet final. Entry into force is subject to its passing through the upper and lower houses of parliament or proclamation of the Order in Council (Algemene Maatregel van Bestuur, AMvB) or ministerial decree and publication in the Staatsblad or Staatscourant (Government Gazette, in Dutch).