The full technical specification of the Future Homes Standard was published on 24 March 2026, according to a government investor factsheet1. The same factsheet states that the standards come into force on 24 March 2027, followed by a one-year transitional period to allow the construction sector to adjust smoothly, with higher risk buildings above 18 metres subject to longer transitional arrangements1.
The standard sets requirements for new homes in England through updates to Approved Document L, which governs energy efficiency, and Approved Document F, which governs ventilation2. New homes must be fitted with low carbon heating, with heat pumps anticipated as the primary route to compliance, and no specific heat pump technology is mandated3. Solar panels covering at least 40 per cent of the ground floor surface area are required where appropriate, and higher risk buildings are exempt from the solar panel requirement2. The government stated that from 2028 no new build home in England will be connected to the gas network3.
The Future Homes Hub, an industry body, welcomed the publication. Its chief executive, Ed Lockhart, said:
"The publication of the Future Homes Standard isn't just about a change in regulation - it's a promise to consumers that new homes will be more comfortable, more efficient, and more secure against the volatility of unstable fossil fuel markets."
The Home Builders Federation reports that the regulations were laid before Parliament on 24 March 2026 and will see "zero carbon ready" homes built in England, with a 75 to 80 per cent improvement in carbon emissions against 2013 standards5. It puts construction cost increases at around £8,000 to £12,000 per home, depending on a builder's ability to secure supply chain agreements5. The government suggested the measures could save families up to £830 per year on energy bills and produce at least 75 per cent fewer carbon emissions than homes built to 2013 standards3.
Assessment moves from the Standard Assessment Procedure to the new Home Energy Model6. Under the model, each window must be assessed to its actual size and configuration to arrive at an area weighted average, including transoms, mullions, dummy sashes, astragal and Georgian bars, add-on cills and head vents6. The Glass and Glazing Federation said this could make it more likely that developers move to triple-glazed options to meet regulations6. Notional u-values were held at 1.2 W/m²K for new build windows7.
Wales has also moved to the Home Energy Model. Updates to Welsh Approved Document L and F were published on 7 April 2026, following the publication of the Future Homes Standard for England6. The Welsh limiting u-value is 1.4 W/m²K, compared with 1.6 W/m²K in England6. The Welsh changes come into force on all new schemes started after 4 March 20276.
Why it matters for households
The standard applies to new homes, not to existing properties, and NICEIC states it will have no impact on current homes3. For a household buying a new build, the practical effect is a home with electric heating, generally a heat pump, and on-site renewable electricity generation, generally solar panels1. That removes the gas connection and shifts running costs onto electricity, with the government suggesting savings of up to £830 per year on energy bills3. The Home Builders Federation notes that homeowners will experience lower levels of heating delivered through heat pumps, and that correct installation, commissioning and calibration will be critical for the home to function efficiently5. The tighter fabric and airtightness requirements mean less heat is needed, but mechanical ventilation is typically required to maintain indoor air quality5.
What happens next
The standards come into force on 24 March 2027 for most building work in England, with a 12-month transition period during which new homes with foundations laid can continue under the previous standards2. From 24 March 2028, all developers must comply2. For higher risk buildings, defined as at least 18 metres tall or having at least seven storeys, the new rules take effect on 24 September 20272. The Future Homes Hub is holding technical conferences on 9 June at Leeds Beckett University and 17 June at Central Hall Westminster4.
Sources7 cited
- CBGDP investor factsheet: Heat and buildings (web accessible) - GOV.UK, gov.uk
- What the Warm Homes Plan Means for Installers | NICEIC, niceic.com
- What the Future Homes Standard means for homeowners | NICEIC, niceic.com
- The Future Homes Hub Welcomes Publication of the Future Homes Standard, futurehomes.org.uk
- [](https://www.hbf.co.uk/news/future-homes-standard-april-2026/), hbf.co.uk
- Wales follows England with a move to the new Home Energy Model, ggf.org.uk
- Future Homes Standard delivers step-change for new build windows and doors, ggf.org.uk