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Cost a ground source heat pump.
GSHP cost, suitability and payback — for properties with garden space and high heat demand.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Garden too small for horizontal loop
100m+ trench needs large garden. Most UK gardens too small. Vertical borehole alternative.
Drilling complications
Hidden rocks or geology issues. Add £000s to budget if encountered.
Inadequate calculation
Wrong-sized system underperforms. Heat-loss survey essential.
Higher install vs ASHP
GSHP 2x install cost of ASHP. Long-term efficiency advantage but slower payback.
Costs & timeline
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Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Vertical borehole GSHP installDrilled to 100m+
£22k–£40k
Horizontal loop GSHP installTrench-laid in garden
£16k–£30k
Heat pump unit onlyInternal
£5k–£10k
Drilling per metre (vertical)Depth dependent
£40–£120
Trenching per metre (horizontal)Plus loop pipe
£20–£60
Radiator upgrade for ASHPSame as ASHP
£1.5k–£5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Renewable Energy explained
Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) extract heat from the ground — most efficient renewable heating. More expensive than air source but better efficiency. Expect to pay £20,000–£40,000 for UK GSHP installation before £5,000 BUS grant.
What Does the Work Involve?
MCS-certified installer surveys property. Ground assessment for borehole or horizontal loop. Boreholes drilled (100m+ deep) OR horizontal trench (1m+ deep, 100m+ long) installed. Ground loop pipes filled with antifreeze brine. Heat pump unit indoor. Pump circulates brine through ground to heat exchanger. Radiators upgraded for low flow temperature.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical borehole GSHP install | 22,000 | 40,000 | Drilled to 100m+ |
| Horizontal loop GSHP install | 16,000 | 30,000 | Trench-laid in garden |
| Heat pump unit only | 5,000 | 10,000 | Internal |
| Drilling per metre (vertical) | 40 | 120 | Depth dependent |
| Trenching per metre (horizontal) | 20 | 60 | Plus loop pipe |
| Radiator upgrade for ASHP | 1,500 | 5,000 | Same as ASHP |
| BUS grant for GSHP | -5,000 | -5,000 | Government rebate |
| Net cost after grant | 11,000 | 35,000 | Variable |
How Long Does It Take?
Vertical borehole: 1–3 weeks (drilling time). Horizontal trench: 1–2 weeks. Internal install: 5–10 days.
DIY or Professional?
MCS-certified installer with GSHP experience required. Specialist drilling contractor.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
MCS-certified GSHP installer. Brands: Kensa Heat Pumps (UK), NIBE (Swedish), Vaillant geoTHERM. 5-year minimum warranty.
UK Regulations
MCS for grant. Building Regs Part L, P. Planning permission for boreholes (some councils). Listed buildings need consent.
Common Problems
- Garden too small for horizontal loop: 100m+ trench needs large garden. Most UK gardens too small. Vertical borehole alternative.
- Drilling complications: Hidden rocks or geology issues. Add £000s to budget if encountered.
- Inadequate calculation: Wrong-sized system underperforms. Heat-loss survey essential.
- Higher install vs ASHP: GSHP 2x install cost of ASHP. Long-term efficiency advantage but slower payback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vertical or horizontal loop?
Vertical borehole: smaller footprint (one borehole per 6 kW), more expensive drilling. Horizontal trench: needs large garden, cheaper trenching. Vertical for smaller properties; horizontal for rural.
Vs air source heat pump?
GSHP: 350-450% efficient. ASHP: 250-350% efficient. GSHP performs better in cold weather. ASHP cheaper install, more common UK choice.
BUS grant amount?
£5,000 for GSHP. £7,500 for ASHP. ASHP gets bigger grant despite GSHP being more efficient.
How long does GSHP last?
Ground loop: 50+ years. Heat pump unit: 20–25 years. Ground loops continue serving over multiple heat pump generations.
Will it work in my garden?
Horizontal: needs garden 100m+ long (per 6 kW capacity). Vertical: only needs one borehole location with drilling access.
Best UK GSHP brand?
Kensa Heat Pumps (UK manufacturer). NIBE (Swedish premium). Vaillant geoTHERM. All MCS certified, 10-year warranty standard.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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