Investing in Rendering in 2026 and 2027: Insights
The State of the UK Rendering and Insulation Market looks extremely positive, with a number of grants and considerations to take into account for 2027. In 2026, it’s a great time to consider upgrading to rendering. We cover all of this below:
| Insight Category | 2027 Outlook & Details |
| Funding Changes | The flagship ECO4 scheme officially ends on December 31, 2026. In 2027, households and investors relying on public funding will pivot to the Warm Homes: Local Grant (£500m allocation), which runs until March 2028 and targets specific EPC bands (D to G) and lower-income thresholds. |
| Regulatory Shifts | The Future Homes Standard takes full effect for new dwellings in 2027. While the notional wall U-value remains at 0.18 W/m²K, airtightness requirements are tightening to 4 m³/(h·m²) at 50 Pa, pushing developers toward highly precise external wall insulation (EWI) and rendering systems. |
| Compliance & U-Values | Retrofit EWI projects must meet a strict Part L wall U-value of 0.30 W/m²K, while new extension walls face a tightened limit of 0.18 W/m²K. Achieving this requires advanced PIR boards or thicker insulation rather than historical standard methods. |
| Material Preferences | Demand continues to rise for silicone and breathable renders due to their durability, weather resistance, and suitability for the UK climate. Simultaneously, strict adherence to Approved Document B means that non-combustible insulation materials (such as mineral wool) are non-negotiable for fire safety compliance. |
| Market Growth | The UK market is underpinned by the government’s £15bn Warm Homes Plan, which runs through 2030. The shift away from single-measure retrofits means installers who are PAS 2030/2035 certified and can deliver EWI alongside other energy measures will capture the most growth. |
We are one of the leading companies providing rendering in Bristol for our customers. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of rendering and whether it’s suitable for your property in 2026 and at the start of 2027, get in touch for your free rendering quote.
Net Zero Commitments
Net-zero commitments are fast approaching, so the only way to achieve them is to improve insulation across properties. This is likely to be seen with other incentives and grants, with the Future Homes Standard coming in 2027 and the ECO4 scheme ending and being replaced with the Warm Homes: Local Grant. This is important to bear in mind when considering insulating your home, because these commitments will remain in place over the next few years. Getting ahead and insulating inefficient homes is a great way to prepare and slash your energy bills.
Meeting the Part L Standard for External Wall Insulation (EWI)
To meet UK Building Regulations Approved Document L for retrofitting External Wall Insulation (EWI) on existing dwellings, your installation must target a renovated wall U-value of 0.30 W/m²K. U-value measures how quickly heat passes through the building; in the case of EWI, it’s the walls. The Part L standard is another consideration for rendering projects. We handle all of this for you, and we will discuss aspects such as U-value when you start your initial enquiry with our team.
The Transition to the Future Homes Standard in 2027
Future Homes Standard is due to be introduced on 24th March 2027 for most new domestic work, and by 24th March 2028, all new home construction must comply with the legislation. This shows that new properties will be subject to these standards, but it’s important to bear in mind that this will very likely not include retroactive upgrades.
The Financial Landscape: Grants, Subsidies, and ROI
The Warm Homes: Local Grant is the most likely item to apply to rendering going forward in 2026 and into 2027. Other councils have schemes, incentives and grants which we can advise you on, or you can find out about by researching or looking at the council’s websites. This landscape suggests there may be new grants in the future, but the main one to focus on is the Warm Homes Local Grant, which is replacing the ECO4 Scheme.
The Impact of the ECO4 Scheme Ending in December 2026
There will be no ECO5 scheme; ECO4 is the final instalment, after which the scheme will move to treasury-backed alternatives such as the Warm Homes: Local Grant. This ends on the 31st December 2026, and then financial backing moves from energy supplier obligations (levied through household bills) to general taxation via the government’s Warm Homes Plan launching in January 2027. If you are looking for this scheme, it’s likely too late to consider ECO4, or the deadline is very close, so you’ll likely need to consider the Warm Homes: Local Grant if you are looking for rendering. If you act now, you may meet the deadline, but it is getting very close as of this writing, so you need to decide very quickly.
Navigating the Warm Homes: Local Grant Through 2028
The Warm Homes: Local Grant provides up to £30,000 in fully funded energy efficiency and low-carbon heating upgrades for eligible low-income households in England through March 2028. Insulation is included within this, so if you are in the qualifying bracket, it’s worth pursuing.
Material and Technological Trends in 2026/2027
Low-carbon is one of the main focuses in products, with rendering looking to be a trend going into 2027. Lime-based render has seen a resurgence, as it’s a great choice for historic properties, and its breathability makes it an excellent material for rendering. Manufacturers continue to develop technologies to enhance EWI insulation, and we always stay on top of the latest rendering systems.
Aesthetic Shifts: The Rising Preference for Silicone and Breathable Renders
Today, the market has shifted to these renders because of their breathability and high performance. These renders are becoming increasingly popular as the best choice for rendering materials. Other materials remain very popular, indicating that rendering is a vital solution for improving the thermal efficiency of older properties.
Safety First: Non-Combustible Materials and Strict PAS 2030/2035 Installer Standards
Under current UK building regulations, high-rise buildings and major retrofits must prioritise these frameworks to ensure long-term safety, durability, and energy efficiency. Rendering can also play a key part in this, as it complies with installer standards and is a material that fits within this category.