New Rules for Thermal Modernization Subsidies Enter Into Force for Homeowners

Updated rules for the Clean Air program took effect on July 20, 2026, introducing higher subsidy limits, shorter property ownership periods, and extended deadlines for advance payments.

Updated Rules in the Clean Air Program

Updated rules in the Clean Air program have been in effect since July 20, 2026. The Ministry of Climate and Environment introduced changes including a 10 percent increase in unit subsidy limits for selected thermal modernization works, a shortened required property ownership period in specific cases, and an extended timeframe for carrying out work covered by advance payments. Below is an overview of the most important legal and financial modifications.

Shorter Required Property Ownership Period and Exceptions

A key modification to the program regulations is the expansion of the list of exceptions to the condition of owning the property for at least three years before submitting an application for support. In designated cases, this threshold has been reduced to one year.

According to information provided by the Ministry of Environment, the shortened one-year period is available to individuals who acquired the property through adverse possession. The modification also covers owners and co-owners who acquired a minimum of 50 percent share in the building from parents or grandparents based on a purchase agreement, donation agreement, or lifetime maintenance contract. These regulations are intended to facilitate formalities for individuals taking over family single-family buildings.

Changes to Financial Limits and Higher Support for Selected Works

Higher unit co-financing limits for selected tasks related to thermal modernization have been in effect since July 20 of this year. The 10 percent increase in rates covered areas such as the following.

Meanwhile, the maximum total amount of support a beneficiary can receive for a full thermal modernization of the building remained unchanged. The maximum co-financing ceiling continues to be up to 83,000 PLN.

Extended Deadlines and Simplified Settlement Procedures

The new version of the program extended the time provided for the execution of work financed under pre-financing. The deadlines for the implementation of investments covered by an advance payment were increased by 60 days, moving from 120 to 180 days.

The catalog of changes also covers formal and registration issues.

Mandatory Audit and Income Criteria Remain Unchanged

The Ministry of Climate and Environment points out that the foundations of the program adopted during the reform of March 31, 2025, remain in force. Formal requirements still include specific criteria.

Program Balance and Funding Sources

According to official data from the Ministry of Climate and Environment, 971,000 co-financing agreements have been signed in the history of the Clean Air program, of which 645,000 investments have been completed. The total amount of disbursed subsidies reaches nearly 22 billion PLN.

Since the introduction of the new version of the program in March 2025, 70,000 applications have been submitted and 53,000 agreements worth 3.3 billion PLN have been concluded. The pool of funds for the current stage of the program amounts to 10 billion PLN and comes from the Modernization Fund. Ministry reports indicate that over 603,000 inefficient solid fuel heat sources have been replaced within the program to date.