What Changed
BUS demand is accelerating. DESNZ published the latest Boiler Upgrade Scheme statistics for November 2025, and the numbers point to a surge in heat pump applications that will reshape installer workloads for the next quarter.
The data shows sustained growth in the scheme, with significantly higher application volumes compared to previous periods. This reflects the impact of the £7,500 grant increase and growing homeowner interest in heat pumps.
- New official data release: BUS statistics for November 2025 were published by DESNZ, tracking voucher applications and redemptions. Source (GOV.UK)
- Monthly cadence continues: the statistics remain a monthly release, providing a regular view of scheme throughput and regional activity.
- Market demand signal: monthly updates help track pipeline activity, customer enquiry volume, and the timing of grant-backed installations.
The statistics indicate that evidence quality and documentation completeness remain critical for smooth voucher redemptions. When BUS demand increases, complete evidence packs help ensure timely processing and reduce administrative delays.
Evidence Requirements
When BUS activity rises, survey demand and evidence workloads rise with it. A small documentation gap can hold up a voucher redemption and trigger callbacks or rework.
BUS compliance checks are evidence-led. The survey pack serves as the primary audit trail showing that the system installed matches the building and the declared assumptions. If evidence is incomplete, the risk is not only a delay but additional administrative time required to gather missing information.
Key evidence requirements include:
- Survey evidence requirements: missing photos or unclear documentation can slow compliance sign-off, even if the installation itself is straightforward.
- Callbacks and rework: if evidence is incomplete, return visits may be needed to capture paperwork or confirm building details.
- Customer timing: voucher redemptions rely on evidence being complete and usable, so delays can affect project timelines.
The BUS statistics demonstrate that the scheme is active and monitored. Complete evidence capture helps reduce administrative overhead and supports smooth project completion.
What to Capture on Site
To support voucher timelines, a survey visit should collect the evidence that supports design decisions and RdSAP inputs. Documentation should be assembled once, correctly.
The goal is to produce a pack that a reviewer can follow without chasing clarification. When evidence is complete, it reduces the chance of post-install disputes about design intent, heating load assumptions, or insulation condition.
- Property context photos: front elevation, side/rear elevations, and location context for unit siting.
- Heating and hot water system details: existing emitter types, pipework routes, and hot water cylinder details.
- Fabric and insulation evidence: loft insulation depth, wall construction notes, and any certificates or invoices.
- Glazing evidence: window type, age, and any certification documents.
- Consumer documents: EPC (if available), guarantees, and building control paperwork relevant to insulation or extensions.
RdSAP evidence documents should be photographed on the day when applicable. This helps avoid callbacks and post-visit administrative work.
If a homeowner does not have documents available, record that fact in the survey notes. Clear notes help decide whether a follow-up is essential or whether a conservative assumption should be used in the interim.
Market Impact
If November's trends continue, the industry can expect sustained demand through Q1 2026. This means:
- Survey capacity: if applications are up significantly year-on-year, increased survey capacity may be needed to avoid bottlenecks
- Evidence workflows: standardised photo capture and document collection help ensure consistent quality
- Turnaround time: faster survey pack delivery supports smoother project timelines
- Voucher redemption speed: complete evidence packs reduce post-install administrative work, improving cash flow
The statistics indicate that the BUS scheme is continuing to drive growth in the UK heat pump market, supporting the government's net zero targets.