diff --git a/tests/domain/modelling/test_optimiser_fabric_first.py b/tests/domain/modelling/test_optimiser_fabric_first.py
index 1eb19b696..09b01e646 100644
--- a/tests/domain/modelling/test_optimiser_fabric_first.py
+++ b/tests/domain/modelling/test_optimiser_fabric_first.py
@@ -298,6 +298,30 @@ def test_no_fabric_candidates_proceeds_straight_to_the_full_pool() -> None:
     assert abs(package.score.sap_continuous - 80.0) <= 1e-9
 
 
+def test_without_a_target_fabric_still_gets_first_claim_on_the_budget() -> None:
+    # Arrange — a max-gain goal (no SAP target). Plain max-gain would spend the
+    # whole £8000 on the heat pump (+20); fabric first commits the wall (+5)
+    # before the remainder is considered, pricing the heat pump out.
+    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 — no target: the flag applies to every goal, not just Increasing EPC.
+    package: OptimisedPackage = optimise_package_fabric_first(
+        groups=groups,
+        scorer=scorer,
+        baseline_epc=build_epc(),
+        budget=8000.0,
+        target_sap=None,
+    )
+
+    # Assert — wall first; the heat pump no longer fits the leftover £7000.
+    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