If you’ve seen adverts for “Help to Buy Windows” or “Government-backed window funding”, you’re not alone. These schemes pop up all over social media and comparison sites, often promising grants, funding or heavily discounted double glazing for homeowners. But are they actually legitimate?
There is no official “Help to Buy Windows” government scheme
First, it’s important to be clear: in the UK there is not a nationwide government programme officially called “Help to Buy Windows”. There are genuine schemes that can help with energy efficiency — such as ECO4 and other grants run via energy suppliers or local authorities — but these are separate from most “help to buy windows” marketing you see online.
Some companies have branded their finance or discount offers using phrases like “Help 2 Buy Windows” or “Help to Buy home improvements”. In the past, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has warned about firms whose adverts implied government-backed grants or official schemes when no such backing existed.
Trading Standards services have also reported cases where people responded to “help to buy windows” adverts and then faced very high-pressure sales tactics and eye-watering initial quotes that were only reduced after hours of negotiation. Trading Standards Scotland
So… are “help to buy” window schemes scams?
Not necessarily. In many cases:
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The company is a genuine window installer.
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The “scheme” is simply:
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An in-house finance package (e.g. monthly repayments with interest).
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A discount structure or cashback offer.
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A way of matching you with installers who can offer finance.
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However, problems arise when the marketing:
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Suggests there is a government grant when there isn’t.
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Uses phrases like “funded by the government” without proof.
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Implies you’ll miss out on “funding” if you don’t sign that night.
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Buries the real interest rates and total cost in small print.
Discussion forums regularly feature people asking whether these companies are genuine, with recurring themes of high-pressure sales and confusion about whether any grant actually exists. MoneySavingExpert Forum+1
How to check if a Help to Buy Windows offer is genuine
If you’re considering one of these schemes, do some basic checks:
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Check the company details
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Look them up on Companies House.
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Search for reviews on independent sites (not just on their own website).
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See how long they’ve been trading.
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Look for accreditations
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FENSA, CERTASS or similar installer certifications.
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Membership of trade bodies or ombudsman schemes.
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Ask direct questions
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“Is this a Government scheme?” (Yes/No, in writing.)
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“Who is providing the finance and what is the APR?”
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“Is this a grant or just a discount/loan?”
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Get more than one quote
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Get like-for-like prices from at least 2–3 local installers.
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Compare the total price of the job including all fees and interest, not just the monthly payments.
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Beware high-pressure sales
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If a salesperson refuses to leave written details, insists you decide on the night, or keeps dropping the price every time you say no, treat this as a serious red flag. Trading Standards Scotland
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Safer ways to get help with the cost of new windows
If you need help funding new windows:
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Check official channels first
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GOV.UK, your local council website or major energy suppliers for genuine grant schemes.
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Ask installers about finance
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Many reputable companies offer clear, regulated finance options without dressing them up as “grants”.
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Focus on overall value, not just the sales pitch
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A fair, transparent quote from a local installer is often better value than a flashy “help to buy” advert.
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Bottom line:
“Help to Buy Windows” offers can be legitimate in the sense that there’s a real company and real finance behind them – but the phrase is often used in a marketing sense, not as an official government scheme. Treat any such offer cautiously, ask direct questions, and always compare it with standard quotes so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
