Future Homes Standard 2026: What It Means for New-Build Homes

The FHS sets a whole-house energy target rather than individual element limits. Key requirements for new homes:

• No fossil fuel heating: gas boilers cannot be the primary heating system in new builds. Heat pumps (air or ground source) are the dominant compliant solution. Some hydrogen-ready boilers may be used where hydrogen networks are planned.
• Solar PV: solar panels are required on new-build homes to contribute to the energy target. Typical requirement is 2–4 kWp of solar PV depending on house size.
• High insulation: walls (0.15–0.18 W/m²K), roof (0.11–0.13 W/m²K), floor (0.13 W/m²K), windows (1.2 W/m²K or better — triple glazing common). These are tighter than for extensions.
• Mechanical ventilation: MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) is standard in FHS homes. The tight fabric means natural ventilation is insufficient.
• SAP 10 methodology: the Standard Assessment Procedure version 10 is used to calculate compliance, using updated carbon factors that reflect the decarbonising electricity grid.

Ask the developer:

• What heating system is installed? (Should be heat pump, not gas boiler)
• What is the EPC rating? (FHS homes should be A-rated)
• Is solar PV included and what capacity?
• What ventilation system is installed? (MVHR is standard)
• What is the SAP score and predicted energy cost?
• Has the home been air pressure tested? (FHS homes are very airtight — blower door test should be <3 m³/hr/m² at 50Pa)
• Is there a commissioning certificate for the heat pump and MVHR?

FHS homes use dramatically less energy than older properties:

• Heating bills for a typical FHS semi-detached home are estimated at £400–£700 per year vs £1,200–£1,800 for an equivalent pre-2022 home with a gas boiler
• Solar PV generates free electricity and can export surplus to the grid (Smart Export Guarantee — typically 4–15p/kWh)
• Heat pumps use electricity, not gas. Running costs are sensitive to electricity tariffs — economy tariffs (e.g. Octopus Agile) can significantly reduce bills
• Very low carbon footprint: 75–80% lower than pre-2022 equivalents

Caveat: actual running costs depend on occupant behaviour, tariff choices, and whether the home has been properly commissioned and air-tested.

If you’re commissioning a self-build or working with a custom build developer, the FHS applies in full. Key considerations:

• Appoint an architect who is familiar with SAP 10 and Passivhaus-adjacent design
• The FHS target is achievable at standard build costs with good design — the premium vs a pre-2022 home is estimated at £5,000–£15,000 depending on specification
• Consider going beyond FHS to Passivhaus standard if long-term running costs are a priority (Passivhaus is more demanding but gives even lower bills)
• Building control will require a SAP calculation at design stage and an air pressure test at completion
• MVHR systems need commissioning by a specialist — allow for this in your build programme

Not all new-build homes are equal. Homes built between 2022 and the FHS introduction date were built to the interim Part L 2021 standard — better than pre-2022 but not at full FHS level. Key differences:

• Part L 2021 homes (2022–2024): improved insulation and glazing, but many still have gas boilers
• FHS homes (2025 onwards): no gas, solar PV required, much tighter fabric, MVHR standard
• When comparing new-build properties, ask for the EPC and SAP report for each property. An FHS home (A-rated) will have significantly lower running costs than a Part L 2021 home (typically B-rated) and a much lower carbon footprint.