The Future Homes Standard,
explained for builders.
The biggest change to new-build energy rules in a generation. Here’s what’s coming, when, and how to get ahead of it — without stalling the projects you’re building today.
The Future Homes Standard is the government’s plan to make every new home “zero-carbon ready” — efficient enough that no further work will be needed to decarbonise it as the electricity grid gets cleaner. It tightens both Part L (energy) and Part F (ventilation), and it brings in a new way of calculating compliance.
For developers, contractors and architects, the practical upshot is simple: new homes will need to be more airtight, better insulated, heated without fossil fuels, and increasingly fitted with renewables. The calculation behind it all — SAP — is being replaced by the Home Energy Model.
Five shifts to plan around.
Lower carbon targets
New homes will be expected to produce far less CO₂ than under current Part L — a step change towards zero-carbon-ready homes that need no future retrofit work to decarbonise.
Low-carbon heating
Fossil-fuel heating is on the way out for new builds. Heat pumps and other low-carbon systems become the default, with gas boilers no longer the standard specification.
The Home Energy Model (HEM)
HEM replaces SAP as the compliance calculation. It uses half-hourly intervals, thermal zoning and live weather data to predict real-world performance more accurately than SAP’s monthly method.
Better fabric & airtightness
Expect tighter fabric standards and lower air permeability targets, putting even more weight on getting the build detailing and the air test right.
Solar and renewables
Rooftop solar PV and other renewables are expected to feature heavily in the notional specification used to set the targets new homes must meet.
Don’t wait — get ahead of it.
You don’t need to pause projects waiting for the new rules. SAP remains the mandatory route today, and starting now keeps your programme moving. But the builders who fare best when the standard lands are the ones already designing to higher fabric and airtightness levels and getting comfortable with heat pumps.
The single most cost-effective move is to bring an energy assessor in at design stage, not after the build. That’s when changes to U-values, glazing, heating and renewables cost the least — and where we add the most value.
Future Homes Standard FAQ
What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard is the UK government’s set of standards for new homes designed to be zero-carbon ready. It tightens Part L (energy) and Part F (ventilation), moves new builds to low-carbon heating, and replaces SAP with the Home Energy Model as the compliance calculation.
When does the Future Homes Standard come into force?
The standard has been expected to take effect from 2025, with transitional arrangements, though the exact implementation date has shifted during consultation and is now widely anticipated around 2025–2026. We track the rollout closely and advise clients as firm dates are confirmed.
Will I still be able to install a gas boiler in a new build?
The direction of travel is away from gas boilers in new homes. Under the Future Homes Standard, low-carbon heating such as heat pumps becomes the default specification. For projects starting now, we’ll advise on the most future-proof heating route for your build.
Should I wait for the Home Energy Model or proceed with SAP now?
Proceed with SAP. It remains the mandatory Part L compliance route today, and waiting will only delay your project and planning. If your project starts on SAP you won’t need to resubmit under HEM — we’ll guide you through the transition when it applies.
How should builders prepare now?
Tighten your fabric detailing and airtightness, get comfortable with heat pumps and low-carbon heating, and design with solar PV in mind. Engaging an energy assessor early — at design stage — is the cheapest way to be ready for the higher standards.
Future-proof your next scheme.
Send us your drawings and we’ll advise on the fabric, heating and renewables route that meets Part L today and gets you ready for the Future Homes Standard.