Navigating the Future Homes Standard: What You Need to Know

The wait is finally over. The MHCLG has published the much-anticipated Future Homes Standard. This update marks the next major evolution of the Part L Building Regulations in England. We’ve been tracking this since the first consultation in 2019, and we’re excited to help you navigate these changes to ensure your projects remain compliant and efficient.

In this blog, we’re breaking down the core themes from the latest episode of the Stroma Insights podcast. Our specialists dive into the practical implications of the new standards, the specific timeframes for implementation, and what you need to do to comply. You can listen to the full discussion below or read on for a comprehensive Future Homes Standard summary.

Episode 5: The Future Homes Standard – Now In Effect

Moving Towards Zero-Carbon Ready Homes

The Future Homes Standard represents a complete overhaul of how we approach residential energy performance. The government’s goal is to ensure all new domestic dwellings built from 2027 onwards are "zero-carbon ready”. This means these homes will not require any further retrofit work to become carbon neutral as the electricity grid continues to decarbonise over the coming years.

To achieve this, the new regulations target a massive 75-80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2013 standards. The most significant shift is the move away from fossil fuels. While the regulations don't technically "ban" gas, the targets are now so stringent that achieving compliance with a gas boiler is virtually impossible. Most developers will now adopt Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) as the primary heating solution.

The New Mandate for Solar Energy

On-site renewable energy generation is no longer an optional "extra" for high-performing homes; it's a core requirement. The Future Homes Standard mandates that new homes feature solar PV panels covering approximately 40% of the ground floor area. This ensures that homes are generating their own clean energy on-site, which significantly lowers energy bills for the eventual homeowner.

While there are limited exemptions for complex roof designs where solar isn't feasible, these will require specific approval from Building Control. In almost every standard housing development, you can expect to see solar PV on every roof. This shift supports the broader strategic goal of reducing national energy demand and transitioning the UK toward a more sustainable, renewable-led power grid.

Changes to Glazing and Air Testing

We’ve seen some very welcome changes to how we calculate glazing performance. Previously, the "notional dwelling" (the government's benchmark model) used a fixed G-value for windows. This often created a conflict between passing SAP and meeting Part O (overheating) standards. Now, the notional building uses the actual G-value you specify, which removes the penalty for using high-performance, solar-control glass.

The air tightness targets have also become more ambitious. The notional dwelling now uses an air permeability target of 4m3 per h/m2, down from the previous target of 5. While the "backstop" limit remains at 8, building to that level will make it very difficult to pass the overall carbon target. You'll need to focus on high-quality fabric construction and potentially consider more advanced mechanical ventilation strategies.

Calculation Methods: Introducing SAP 10.3

To demonstrate compliance with the Part L Building Regulations, you need accurate software. The government originally planned to launch the "Home Energy Model" (HEM) to replace SAP. However, since HEM is still in development, SAP 10.3 is the current stepping stone. This updated version accounts for the new heat pump and PV requirements while keeping the interface familiar for developers and assessors.

We expect a dual-running period where you can use either SAP 10.3 or HEM once the latter is released. The rule of thumb is that whatever software you use to start a project, you can use to finish it. This provides much-needed continuity for long-term developments, ensuring you aren't forced to change methodologies halfway through a build.

Key Timelines for Developers

The MHCLG has confirmed that these new regulations officially come into force on 24th March 2027. Following this date, a 12-month transitional period begins. If you register your project with Building Control before March 2027, you can still build under the current 2021 regulations. However, there is an important distinction regarding the timeframe for beginning work on-site.

To stay under the old regulations, you must make a "meaningful start" on every individual plot by 24th March 2028. The government defines this as building the plot up to the ground floor level. Simply digging foundations for a whole site is no longer enough to "lock in" the old standards for every home. If a plot hasn't reached ground floor level by that date, it must be redesigned to meet the full Future Homes Standard.

Comparing the Standards: Stroma’s Insights

Our team has modelled several typical dwelling types to see how the change from SAP 10.2 to SAP 10.3 affects compliance. We found that while fabric requirements remain broadly similar, the mandatory addition of PV and the shift to heat pumps significantly improves the EPC ratings. Below is a look at the specifications we used for our comparison models.

Scenario 1 – Carbon Emissions Compliance

We ran these calculations using SAP 10.3 without changing the original design. While it meets the emission targets, it fails the Future Homes Standard overall because there’s no solar PV included.

Scenario 2 – Renewable Energy Generation Compliance

We added enough solar PV here to meet the new minimum requirements. This addition brings the design into full compliance with the updated Part L Building Regulations.

Scenario 3 – Fabric Compliance

These results show that your current insulation and window specifications still meet the grade. You won’t need to change your fabric to pass this part of the Future Homes Standard.

Final Thoughts

The biggest shift we’re seeing is that you simply won't get a compliance report with a "pass" box unless you’ve integrated the required level of solar PV. To hit that 40% ground floor area rule, most dwellings will need a significant array. If you haven't used much solar on your previous developments, now’s the time to build it into your standard design process to stay ahead of the Part L Building Regulations.

There’s a massive silver lining here for the homeowner, too. Generating energy on-site is a huge selling point, and as solar becomes the industry standard, the costs for installation and materials will likely continue to drop. It’s a win-win: you’re building a "zero-carbon ready" home that is cheaper to run, making it a much more attractive prospect for buyers.

What About Non-Domestic Buildings?

While much of the focus is on housing, the "Future Buildings Standard" for non-domestic projects like offices and schools is moving on the same timeline. We know the core targets will mirror the domestic side – focusing on high fabric standards, efficient lighting, and low-carbon heating.

However, at the time of writing, we’re still awaiting the final NCM (SBEM) software update. This means that while the goals for elements like solar PV and heat recovery are clear, the exact way they will influence overall compliance scores is unknown. Rest assured, as soon as that clarity arrives, we’ll be the first to break it down for you.

Work with Stroma to Stay Ahead

We have a clear window of time to prepare for these changes, and Stroma is here to ensure you're ready. The transition to the Future Homes Standard is a major step toward a greener future, but it requires careful planning regarding electrical grid capacity and roof space management. Our specialists are already working with SAP 10.3 to help clients model their upcoming sites and avoid any last-minute surprises.

With over 20 years of experience in building performance and compliance, we're passionate about helping developers navigate these shifting targets. We can guide you through the technicalities of heat pump integration and PV sizing to ensure your projects are both compliant and cost-effective. Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your next project under these changes.

FAQs

What is the Future Homes Standard?

The Future Homes Standard is the 2026 update to the Part L Building Regulations, designed to ensure all new homes are "zero-carbon ready”. By mandating low-carbon heating (like heat pumps) and on-site solar energy, these regulations ensure that new homes will not require any future retrofitting to become carbon neutral as the electricity grid continues to decarbonise.

When does the Future Homes Standard come into effect?

The regulations officially come into force on 24th March 2027. You have a 12-month window from that date to reach a "meaningful start" on any plots registered under previous standards. To stay under the old rules, every individual plot must be built up to the ground floor level by 24th March 2028; otherwise, it must be redesigned to meet the full Future Homes Standard.

Does the Future Homes Standard apply to non-domestic buildings?

Yes, it applies to commercial and non-domestic buildings under the "Future Buildings Standard”. While the transition dates mirror those for residential homes, we are currently awaiting the final software updates (SBEM) from the government to confirm the exact compliance targets for different commercial property types.

When does the Future Homes Standard apply to high-risk buildings?

Higher-risk buildings (such as those over 18 metres) have a slightly delayed timeline. For these projects, the regulations come into force on 24th September 2027. Developers must serve their "Gateway 2" notice by this date and then have until 24th September 2028 to make a meaningful start on-site to remain under the older version of Part L Building Regulations.