Future Homes Standard
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) will change how we build new homes across England and represent one of the biggest shifts in building regulations in a generation. Homes built to the new standards will significantly reduce the energy needs and carbon emissions from new homes.
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) will change how we build new homes across England and represent one of the biggest shifts in building regulations in a generation. Homes built to the new standards will significantly reduce the energy needs and carbon emissions from new homes.
Low carbon heating & hot water
Heat pumps will become the main default, and with them we’ll see the return of hot water cylinders. Heat networks or district heating will be real options in some areas.
Rooftop solar panels
Solar panels covering around 40% of the home’s ground floor area will be a legal requirement for almost all low-rise new homes.
Improved insulation & airtightness
Enhanced building materials and glazing standards will reduce wasted heat and improve thermal efficiency.
Enhanced documentation & testing
The new regulations mean more documentation and testing will be needed to make sure the finished home meets the design specifications.
New assessment software
The Home Energy Model (HEM) will replace Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP).
What does it mean for Builders & Developers?
When is it happening?
Mar 2026
Future Homes Standard confirmed. Final regulations and approved documents published.
Mar 2027
Updated Part L comes info force. Future Homes Standard applies to newly submitted new build homes. For 12 months, plots that have started may be completed to previous standards.
Mar 2028
Transitional arrangement ends. Future Homes Standard mandatory for all new homes started.
Q3 2028
Significant numbers of homes completed will be built to the new Future Homes Standard.
2029 Onwards
An estimated 150-200k homes a year built to new Part L / Future Homes Standard.
Key products
As the Future Homes Standard comes into effect, these products offer practical solutions that can assist you in meeting the new regulations.
Resources and Training
There’s a great range of training options in the UK tailored for builders and heating engineers looking to get up to speed with air source heat pump (ASHP) basics and beyond in a range of formats.
- Heat Geek on Skill Builder - What is a Heat Pump? - 7-minute, Video
- Grant’s overview of Air Source Heat Pumps - On demand, 20 mins
- Ideal’s intro to Air Source Heat Pumps – Online course, 2-3 hours
- Ideal’s intro to Air Source Heat Pumps – Online course, Podcast
Plumbing & Heating Engineers
You’re an experienced engineer and you know a bit about renewables? If you’re serious about getting into installing air source heat pumps there is a range of in-depth training run by manufacturers.
- Heat Geek Videos
- Joule (Samsung)- Installation & commissioning, Fault-finding & repairs
- Daikin - Various modules in person & online
- Valliant - From intro to renewables to in depth product-specific installation & commissioning, in person
- Grant – Product specific training on ASHP’s, Underfloor Heating or Solar Thermal, 1 day
- Ideal – Range of courses covering install to commissioning, in person. Free / Subsidised
- Baxi – Weekly series covering tips, advice and wisdom, YouTube
Disclaimer
The information on this page is based on the initial Future Homes Standard announcement in March 2026. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details may change as further information is made available. This content is intended as a general overview and should not be taken as specific professional advice.
At MKM, we’ll continue to update our information as it is made available to us. MKM accepts no responsibility for any details that may become outdated or the accuracy of content on external websites referenced. MKM accepts no liability for any direct or indirect losses as a result of misinformation. Updated on 15.04.2026