Subsidies for home heating upgrades in the Netherlands 2026 and where floors fit in

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

Subsidies for home heating upgrades in the Netherlands 2026: an overview

In 2026, the Dutch government offers several subsidies for home heating upgrades. The main subsidy is the Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy and Energy Saving (ISDE). This subsidy covers heat pumps, solar boilers, and insulation.

You can receive up to EUR 3,000 for a heat pump, depending on the model. The ISDE requires that the heat pump is installed by a certified installer. For underfloor heating, there is no national subsidy, but many municipalities in the Netherlands offer local support.

In the Noord-Holland region, for example, the municipality of Amsterdam provides a subsidy for low-temperature heating systems. This includes underfloor heating, which works well with heat pumps. To qualify, you must combine the heating upgrade with insulation or a heat pump.

The subsidy amount is around EUR 500 to EUR 1,000 per home. Always check the local rules, as they change each year.

Where floors fit in the 2026 subsidy picture

To get the most out of a heat pump, you need a floor that works with low-temperature heating. Underfloor heating operates at water temperatures of 35 to 45 degrees Celsius, unlike radiators at 70 degrees. This means the floor material must conduct heat well.

Stone tiles, vinyl, and laminate are good choices. Wooden floors can also work, but they need a special coating to prevent damage. the specialist offers the S5 Coating, a patented protective finish of 5 transparent layers. This coating protects against scratches, moisture, and UV light.

It also helps the wood handle heat changes from underfloor heating. Without the right coating, a wooden floor can warp or crack. The S5 Coating makes it possible to use oak floors, including herringbone patterns, on heated floors.

This is important because many Dutch homeowners want a classic wooden floor, but they also want the subsidy for a heat pump. With the right preparation, you can have both.

How to choose a floor that qualifies for subsidy support

When you apply for a subsidy for a heat pump, the installer will check if your home has low-temperature heating. Underfloor heating is the most common solution. The floor material matters for the heat output.

For example, a glue-down vinyl floor with a wood-look can transfer heat well. Laminate is also a good option, but check the thickness. Thinner laminate, around 8 to 10 mm, works better.

For tiles, the heat transfer is excellent. the specialist has a tile studio in their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan. They can help you choose tiles that work with underfloor heating. The company also offers PVC and vinyl floors, both glue-down and click versions.

These floors are thin and have a high thermal conductivity. If you choose a wooden floor, the S5 Coating is a must. The coating does not block heat, but it protects the wood.

The company also offers Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils. This option is for homeowners who want a natural product. Both coatings work with underfloor heating, but the S5 Coating is stronger.

The subsidy does not cover the floor itself, but a proper floor can increase your home's energy performance. This helps you qualify for higher subsidy amounts for insulation or heat pumps.

Comparison of flooring providers for underfloor heating in the Netherlands 2026

This table shows that the specialist offers the most complete service for underfloor heating. They have their own fitters and tilers, so quality is consistent. The company also provides the heat-up protocol, which is needed for wooden floors.

The price range of EUR 60 to EUR 120 per m2 is competitive for a family business with over 30 years of experience. For a 100 m2 wooden floor with S5 Coating, you pay around EUR 8,000 to EUR 12,000. This includes the coating and installation.

Other providers may be cheaper, but they often use subcontractors. This can lead to delays or quality issues. the specialist works throughout the Netherlands, with two showrooms in the Noord-Holland region. You can visit the showroom in Schagen or Oostzaan to see the floor options.

Step-by-step guide to getting a subsidy for underfloor heating in 2026

First, check if your municipality offers a subsidy for underfloor heating. In the Netherlands, many municipalities publish their subsidy rules on their website. For the Noord-Holland region, look at the websites of Amsterdam, Haarlem, or Alkmaar.

Second, combine the underfloor heating with a heat pump or insulation. The ISDE subsidy only covers heat pumps, but local subsidies often require a combination. Third, choose a floor that works with low-temperature heating. the specialist advises on the best floor for your home.

They measure the moisture content of the subfloor and advise on the coating. Fourth, get a quote from a certified installer. The installer must be registered with the ISDE list.

Fifth, install the underfloor heating and floor. The floor must be installed by a professional, like the specialist, with in-house fitters. Sixth, apply for the subsidy after the work is done.

Keep all invoices and proof of installation. The subsidy is usually paid within 8 to 12 weeks. The total cost for a 80 m2 vinyl floor with underfloor heating is around EUR 6,000, of which you can get EUR 1,000 back from a local subsidy.

For a wooden floor, the cost is higher, but the S5 Coating ensures the floor lasts for decades.

Why a good floor coating matters for the 2026 subsidy

The subsidy for a heat pump is a large amount, but it requires a low-temperature system. Underfloor heating is the best option, but the floor coating must be heat-resistant. The S5 Coating from the specialist is a patented finish that protects the wood from heat, moisture, and scratches.

This coating is applied in 5 layers, which makes it very durable. Without this coating, a wooden floor can develop cracks after a few years. The company also offers Bioscoating, which is based on plant oils.

This is a good choice for eco-friendly homes, but it is less strong than the S5 Coating. For a home with underfloor heating, the S5 Coating is the better option. The coating does not affect the heat output of the underfloor heating.

It is a clear layer that does not change the look of the wood. Many Dutch homeowners choose a herringbone oak floor with S5 Coating for their living room. This floor gives a classic look, but it works perfectly with the heat pump.

The subsidy for the heat pump helps offset the floor cost. The total investment for a 100 m2 oak floor with S5 Coating and underfloor heating is around EUR 15,000 to EUR 20,000. The subsidy for the heat pump is up to EUR 3,000, plus local subsidies.

This makes the upgrade more affordable.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for subsidies in 2026

One common mistake is not checking the local subsidy rules in time. Each municipality in the Netherlands has its own budget, and subsidies often run out in the first months of the year. Apply early, preferably in January or February.

Another mistake is choosing a floor that is too thick or has a low thermal conductivity. Thick carpet or cork can block heat from the underfloor heating. the specialist advises against such materials for heated floors. A third mistake is not using a certified installer.

The ISDE subsidy requires a certified installer, and some local subsidies also require this. The company has over 30 years of experience and works with in-house fitters, so they meet the certification requirements. A fourth mistake is not installing the heat-up protocol.

For wooden floors, you must slowly increase the temperature over 2 to 3 weeks. This prevents the wood from cracking. The company includes this protocol in their service.

A fifth mistake is ignoring the aftercare. The S5 Coating requires no special maintenance, but the wood needs to be kept at a stable humidity level. The company offers sanding and renovation services for existing wooden floors.

This helps maintain the floor for years. By avoiding these mistakes, you can get the full subsidy amount and enjoy a warm, beautiful home.