Over the past few years, climate change has been increasingly acknowledged. In the European Union (EU), energy production and consumption account for 80% of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and one of the most impactful consumption sectors is the construction industry. In addition, existing buildings are inefficient, exacerbating the situation of energy poverty (EP). This is characterized as a condition in which households lack access to energy services and products. However, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report of 2018, energy efficiency (EE) and building renovation are two key factors in achieving carbon neutrality, yet renovations remain infrequent. The main objective of this study is to explore and compare financial instruments to combat EP and/or promote EE in residential buildings in the EU, UK, Australia and New Zealand to understand the best features and success stories for future applications. Research methods included desk research, database search techniques, and snowballing techniques. In addition, interviews were conducted with selected experts on energy poverty, renovation policies and energy efficiency. With all the methodologies applied, 33 financing programmes and eight consumer protection policies in different countries were selected for the study. Among these programs, twelve underwent a more detailed analysis. Some of the findings indicate that schemes exclusively targeting energy poverty witnessed the majority of measures being fully funded, with financial support reaching 100%. The most prevalent financial instruments in the studied programs were grants, with the majority of funding originating from European funds, except in the cases of New Zealand and Australia. Regarding specific measures, insulation and the installation of heating and cooling equipment were the most frequently encountered. Considering the analyses conducted and the obstacles highlighted in the interviews, several conclusions can be drawn. A collaborative approach among diverse stakeholders is crucial for the establishment and development of these schemes. Furthermore, the implementation of assessment indicators and a monitoring methodology is essential to verify program success and ensure transparency. Lastly, integrating EE incentive programs with strategies to reduce EP, particularly focusing on deep renovation measures, is vital for reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy access, and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.