Future Homes and Buildings Standards
The UK Government has now confirmed the final timeline for the Future Homes and Buildings Standards (FHBS), a major uplift to Building Regulations designed to deliver low‑carbon & highly efficient new homes.
An overview of the changes
24 March 2026 – Publication of the Standard
The Government published the final Approved Documents and Building Circular 01/2026, confirming the regulatory changes and technical requirements.
24 March 2027 – Regulations Come Into Force
The Future Homes and Buildings Standards officially take effect on this date for most building types.
24 September 2027 – Higher‑Risk Buildings (HRBs)
For higher‑risk buildings and work to existing HRBs, several regulations come into force six months later.
Transitional Arrangements
A 12‑month transitional period applies from the date the regulations come into force.
This means:
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Projects with building notice, full plans, or initial notice submitted before 24 March 2027 can continue under the previous standards, but only if work starts within 12 months.
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After the transitional window closes, all new homes must comply with FHBS, regardless of when they were designed.
This transitional period is designed to give developers and designers time to adjust specifications, redesign systems, and update SAP modelling.
What the Future Homes Standard Requires
1. Mandatory Low‑Carbon Heating. Traditional gas boilers will no longer meet compliance. Heat pumps become the default solution for most new homes.
2. Solar PV as a Legal Requirement. All new dwellings must include solar PV sized to approximately 40% of the ground‑floor area, unless exempt (e.g., buildings over 18m or sites unable to achieve 720 kWh/year).
3. Updated SAP Methodology – SAP 10.3. The Government confirmed that SAP 10.3 will be the approved methodology for demonstrating compliance during the initial rollout.
4. Fabric & Ventilation Improvements
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Airtightness targets tighten (around 4 m³/m²/hr @ 50 Pa in the notional dwelling).
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Ventilation commissioning rules become stricter.
5. Overheating (Part O) Review. A full technical review of Part O is planned to resolve conflicts with other regulations.
What This Means for Developers & Designers
Earlier Design Decisions. Heat pumps, PV, and improved fabric performance must be integrated from the earliest design stage.
More Detailed SAP Modelling. SAP 10.3 introduces updated assumptions, emissions factors, and performance metrics meaning early‑stage SAP assessments are more important than ever.
Clearer Compliance Pathways. The FHBS sets a single, predictable route to compliance, reducing uncertainty and helping future‑proof new homes as the grid decarbonises.
When Will We See Homes Built to FHBS?
Industry bodies expect large‑scale delivery of FHBS compliant homes from mid 2028, once transitional periods end and supply chains fully adapt.
Increased design coordination
Heat pumps, PV, and improved fabric standards will require earlier integration between architects, M&E designers, and energy assessors.
Higher build costs (initially)
Low‑carbon technologies and improved fabric performance may increase upfront costs, though operational savings for homeowners will be significant.
More predictable compliance
FHBS accuracy reduces the risk of late‑stage design changes to meet Part L.
How Will This Impact Self‑Builders?
More planning at the design stage
Self‑builders will need to consider heat pump sizing, PV layout, and airtightness strategies earlier.
Greater emphasis on build quality
Airtightness testing, thermal bridging details, and ventilation commissioning will be more important than ever.
Lower running costs
Homes built to the Future Homes Standard will be significantly cheaper to heat and power.
How Will This Impact Architects?
Design flexibility
Architects will need to balance aesthetics with:
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PV roof area
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Heat pump placement
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Ventilation ducting
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Fabric performance targets
Earlier collaboration
Energy modelling will need to be integrated from RIBA Stage 2–3 rather than left until later.
More accurate performance predictions
FHBS hourly modelling gives architects better insight into overheating risk, peak loads, and energy use.
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Be ready for now and what’s next. Home+ Energy supports you through both current SAP compliance and the transition to FHBS standards.