diff --git a/tests/domain/modelling/test_optimiser_fabric_first.py b/tests/domain/modelling/test_optimiser_fabric_first.py
index f345d6e75..eeffd181b 100644
--- a/tests/domain/modelling/test_optimiser_fabric_first.py
+++ b/tests/domain/modelling/test_optimiser_fabric_first.py
@@ -150,6 +150,30 @@ def test_fabric_short_of_target_is_topped_up_with_non_fabric_measures() -> None:
     assert abs(package.score.sap_continuous - 85.0) <= 1e-9
 
 
+def test_fabric_spend_comes_out_of_the_shared_budget_before_phase_two() -> None:
+    # Arrange — the £8000 heat pump alone would fit the £8500 budget and reach
+    # the target, but fabric first commits the £1000 wall first, leaving £7500:
+    # the heat pump no longer fits. Fabric priority wins over the target.
+    groups: list[list[ScoredOption]] = [
+        [_scored("cavity_wall_insulation", gain=5.0, cost=1000.0, overlay=_WALL_OVERLAY)],
+        [_scored("air_source_heat_pump", gain=20.0, cost=8000.0, overlay=_HEATING_OVERLAY)],
+    ]
+    scorer = _StubScorer(base=60.0, wall=5.0, roof=0.0, heating=20.0)
+
+    # Act — target 78 (gain 18).
+    package: OptimisedPackage = optimise_package_fabric_first(
+        groups=groups,
+        scorer=scorer,
+        baseline_epc=build_epc(),
+        budget=8500.0,
+        target_sap=78.0,
+    )
+
+    # Assert — wall only; the target is missed rather than the fabric skipped.
+    assert _selected_types(package) == {"cavity_wall_insulation"}
+    assert abs(package.score.sap_continuous - 65.0) <= 1e-9
+
+
 class _InteractionScorer:
     """A stub whose boiler gain collapses once the wall is insulated (+10 raw,
     +3 post-fabric) while the heat pump's holds (+8 either way) — so a phase 2