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What is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard is a UK policy framework that defines the energy performance and sustainability requirements for new residential buildings from 2025 onward. Introduced to align the housing sector with national net-zero targets, it mandates that all new homes produce around 75–80% less carbon emissions than those built to previous standards.
Updates to the Future Homes Standard
Originally announced in 2019, the FHS follows interim uplifts to Building Regulations introduced in 2021 and implemented in 2022. Final regulations are due to take effect in 2025, applying to all new homes in England.
What does the Future Homes Standard focus on?
High-performance building fabric to reduce heat loss.
Low-carbon heating such as heat pumps instead of gas boilers.
Enhanced ventilation and overheating controls in line with updated Building Regulations (Part L, Part F, and Part O).
“Zero-carbon ready” design, ensuring homes will not need retrofitting as the electricity grid decarbonises.
