The Future Homes Standard (FHS) for new homes in England was published in March 2026, according to the Passivhaus Trust1, Marley2 and Spirit Energy3. It is delivered as updates to Approved Document L (conservation of fuel and power) and Approved Document F (ventilation)2. The Passivhaus Trust states the standard was announced in March 2026 but will come into force in March 20281. Marley, Spirit Energy and Jackery give the coming-into-force date as 24 March 2027, followed by a 12-month transition period2. Jackery states that after the transition period ends on 24 March 2028, all new residences must conform with the FHS regardless of registration date4. The sources do not agree on the single date on which the standard takes effect.
The Future Homes Standard sets requirements for new dwellings in England. Jackery reports carbon reductions of 75% to 80% against previous standards, mandatory low-carbon heating, and solar PV coverage equivalent to 40% of a dwelling's ground floor area where feasible4. Marley states that solar is not explicitly required, but that PV arrays will be one of the most effective ways to meet the renewable energy provision2. Jackery reports that new homes will no longer be permitted to use gas boilers, and that hybrid or hydrogen-ready boilers are not allowed4. STEICO reports that solar PV comprising 40% of the ground floor area supplements the shift to heat pumps5.
Jackery sets out the following comparison between Part L 2021 and the FHS4:
| Requirement | Part L 2021 | Future Homes Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon reduction (vs 2013) | 30% | At least 75% |
| Heating system | Gas boilers still permitted | Low-carbon heating required |
| Solar PV | Not required | Mandatory (40% ground floor area target) |
| Airtightness target | 8 m³/(h·m²) @ 50 Pa limit | 3 m³/(h·m²) @ 50 Pa notional |
| Wall U-value (notional) | 0.26 W/m²K | 0.15 W/m²K (HEM) / 0.18 (SAP 10.3) |
| Compliance methodology | SAP 10.2 | HEM or SAP 10.3 |
On compliance tools, Marley states that when the FHS was published in March 2026, SAP 10.3 remained the approved calculation methodology, with the Home Energy Model expected to replace SAP in due course2. Jackery describes HEM as the principal route and SAP 10.3 as an interim solution4.
The Passivhaus Trust argues the FHS will not deliver significant energy efficiency, health and comfort improvements over current building regulations1. It states that the Passivhaus standard delivers a space heating requirement of 15 kWh/m²/a against 63 kWh/m²/a modelled for current UK building regulations, a 76% reduction1.
"The Future Homes Standard [FHS] was announced in March 2026 but will come into force in March 2028"
Why it matters for households
The standard applies to new homes in England, so its effect on an existing household is indirect. Jackery reports that homes built to the FHS can save owners over £1,000 annually compared with older, less energy-efficient homes rated EPC E or F, and around £830 per year compared with homes rated EPC C4. It states that FHS homes can reduce energy costs by approximately 70% to 80% compared with older homes in similar conditions4. STEICO reports that 80% of first-time buyers are more likely to consider a green home for their next property, closely followed by 73% of second-time buyers5.
For a home's energy independence, the direction is towards all-electric heating and on-site generation. Jackery states that a household's gas bill will be reduced to zero under the FHS, with heating and hot water consumption transferred to electricity, increasing electricity consumption significantly4. STEICO notes that embodied carbon is not regulated, despite accounting for around 20% of emissions from the UK's built environment, and that a draft Approved Document known as Part Z has been proposed5. The Passivhaus Trust states that SAP 10 demonstrably underestimates space heating demand when compared with PHPP1.
What happens next
Marley and Spirit Energy give a coming-into-force date of 24 March 2027, with a 12-month transition period2. Spirit Energy states that the zero rate of VAT on residential solar ends on 31 March 2027, after which VAT reverts to the reduced rate of 5%, adding between £500 and £750 to most domestic systems3. It reports that Wales has introduced equivalent rules in force from March 20273. The Passivhaus Trust states that a consultation on a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard closed on 23 October 2024, and that a single construction regulator consultation closes on 20 March 20261.
Sources5 cited
- Passivhaus & Building Standards, passivhaustrust.org.uk
- What the new Future Homes Standard means for roofing in England | Marley, marley.co.uk
- Why UK Solar Is About to Get More Expensive, blog.spiritenergy.co.uk
- Future Homes Standard: What It Means for UK Homes and Energy Bills - Jackery UK – Jackery United Kingdom, uk.jackery.com
- Wood fibre insulation's role in the UK's housebuilding future, steico.com