Ground Source Heat Pumps in the UK
A ground source heat pump draws heat from the ground through buried pipes, either horizontal loops in a trench or vertical boreholes. The ground stays at a steady temperature year-round, so these systems run at a higher efficiency than air source, typically a SCOP of 4 to 5. They cost more upfront, £18,000 to £35,000, but qualify for the same £7,500 grant.
Quick Answer
A ground source heat pump costs £18,000 to £35,000 installed in the UK, minus the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. It runs at a higher efficiency than air source (SCOP 4 to 5) and suits homes with garden space for ground loops or room for boreholes.
Prices as of early 2026, based on UK installer quotes.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
How much does a ground source heat pump cost?
Ground source systems cost £18,000 to £35,000 installed. The wide range is mostly down to the ground works: horizontal loops in a trench are cheaper than vertical boreholes, which need specialist drilling. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant applies, the same as for air source.
| Ground Collector | Cost Before Grant | Net After £7,500 Grant | Land Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal ground loops | £18,000–£25,000 | £10,500–£17,500 | Large garden (trenches) |
| Vertical boreholes | £25,000–£35,000 | £17,500–£27,500 | Small footprint, deep drilling |
See the full heat pump cost breakdown and heat pump grants guide.
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Get a Quote →How ground source heat pumps work
A water and antifreeze mix circulates through buried pipes, absorbing low-grade heat from the ground. The heat pump compresses it to a useful temperature for your radiators, underfloor heating and hot water. Because the ground holds a stable temperature through winter, efficiency stays high when an air source unit would be working hardest.
Horizontal loops
Pipes laid in trenches about 1 to 2 metres deep. Cheaper, but needs a large garden. Best where land is available.
Vertical boreholes
Pipes dropped into boreholes 60 to 200 metres deep. Small surface footprint, higher cost due to drilling. Best for limited space.
Ground source vs air source heat pumps
| Ground Source | Air Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost before grant | £18,000–£35,000 | £8,000–£14,000 |
| Efficiency (SCOP) | 4.0–5.0 | 3.5–4.5 |
| Space needed | Garden or boreholes | Small outdoor area |
| Disruption to install | High (ground works) | Low |
| BUS grant | £7,500 | £7,500 |
| Lifespan | 20+ years (loops 50+) | 15–20 years |
Air source suits most UK homes. Ground source rewards homes with land and a long-term horizon with higher efficiency and lower running costs. Compare on our air source heat pump guide.
Ground Source Heat Pump FAQ
How much does a ground source heat pump cost in the UK?
Ground source heat pumps cost £18,000 to £35,000 installed, depending on whether you use horizontal ground loops or vertical boreholes. After the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, the net cost is £10,500 to £27,500.
Are ground source heat pumps more efficient than air source?
Yes. Ground source systems run at a SCOP of 4 to 5, against 3.5 to 4.5 for air source, because the ground holds a stable temperature year-round. That edge is largest in winter, when an air source unit works hardest.
How much land do you need for a ground source heat pump?
Horizontal ground loops need a large garden for trenches, roughly 2 to 3 times your home's floor area. If space is tight, vertical boreholes drilled 60 to 200 metres deep have a small surface footprint but cost more.
Do ground source heat pumps qualify for the grant?
Yes. Ground source heat pumps qualify for the same £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant as air source, when fitted by an MCS-certified installer in England and Wales. Scotland has its own Home Energy Scotland grants and loans.
How long do ground source heat pumps last?
The heat pump unit lasts 20+ years, longer than a boiler. The buried ground loops last far longer still, often 50+ years, so future heat pump replacements reuse the existing ground array.
Is a ground source or air source heat pump better?
Air source suits most UK homes: cheaper, simpler and less disruptive to install. Ground source costs more upfront but runs more efficiently and lasts longer, making it a strong choice for homes with land and a long-term outlook.
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Related Guides
Air Source Heat Pumps
Cost, best brands, running costs, and pros and cons for UK homes.
Heat Pump Cost
Full price breakdown by type and home size, plus running costs.
Heat Pump Grants
The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Scotland grants, and 0% VAT.
Air to Air Heat Pumps
Warm-air heat pumps vs air to water: cost, cooling, and grant eligibility.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- Energy Saving Trust: Ground Source Heat Pumps
- MCS: Certified Products & Installers
Last updated: June 2026
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.
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