The way homes are built in the UK is changing. The government’s Future Homes Standard (FHS) brings significant changes to how homes are designed and constructed, from heating systems to energy use.
In this article, we’ll explain the new regulations in the Future Homes Standard and how experienced builders like JVB Construction can help ensure your new home meets these requirements, delivering a comfortable, energy-efficient property for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Future Homes Standard (FHS) sets new building requirements: Homes, major renovations, and full-scale extensions must dramatically reduce operational carbon and improve energy efficiency, in line with updated UK Building Regulations (Parts L, F, and O).
- Homes must be energy-efficient and low-carbon: Key measures include improved insulation, high-performance windows, airtight construction, low-carbon heating systems, and readiness for renewable energy technologies.
- Homeowners gain long-term benefits: FHS-compliant properties offer lower running costs, improved comfort and air quality, future-proofed performance, reduced maintenance, and greater energy independence.
- JVB Construction provides expert guidance: With knowledge in FHS-compliant projects, JVB manages planning, construction, and compliance, ensuring stress-free delivery for new builds.
What Is the Future Homes Standard?
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is a set of government regulations that update the UK Building Regulations, including key changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power), Part F (ventilation), and Part O (overheating). It defines how new homes should be built and how major renovations should be carried out.
Its main purpose is to modernise the way new homes are constructed, prepare the UK housing sector for a low-carbon future, and support the government’s legally binding target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The FHS provides a clear framework for energy use, heating, and overall building performance, outlining a consistent benchmark for quality and sustainability across the UK housing sector.
When Is the Future Homes Standard Being Implemented?
The FHS was first announced in 2019, and while an implementation date hasn’t been confirmed, the legislation is expected to come into effect in December 2026 after being finalised and laid before Parliament.
A 12-month transition period will follow, during which compliance will be mandatory for all new, permitted homes from December 2027.
What Do the New FHS Regulations Require for Homes?
The FHS sets out how new homes, and in some cases major renovations or extensions, must be designed and built to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and improve energy performance.
At its core, the Standard aims for homes to produce around 75–80% fewer operational carbon emissions compared to those built under older regulations. To achieve this, the requirements focus on how homes conserve energy, how they are heated, and how they integrate low-carbon technologies. Below, we explain some of the FHS’s key measures.
Energy Efficiency
Under the FHS, homes must be built with significantly improved thermal performance. This includes:
- High-performance insulation in walls, roofs, and floors to reduce heat loss.
- Advanced windows and doors, such as double- or triple-glazed units, to improve heat retention.
- Enhanced airtightness to prevent draughts and energy waste.
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), which maintains air quality while recycling heat within the home.
Together, these components reduce the energy required to heat and cool a home, a key step toward reducing carbon emissions and complying with the FHS.
Heating and Hot Water Systems
To meet emissions targets, the FHS supports a transition away from fossil-fuel heating. Gas boilers are expected to be phased out in most new homes, with low-carbon alternatives such as heat pumps and efficient electric systems becoming the default. These systems can operate using increasingly renewable electricity from the grid.
Renewable and Low-Carbon Energy Readiness
Most new homes are expected to include on-site renewable technologies, such as solar panels or small-scale wind turbines, or be designed so they can easily accommodate them later. Some homes may also be built to support battery storage or smart energy systems, helping homeowners manage energy use more efficiently and reduce reliance on the grid.
Whole-Home Emissions Performance
The FHS also focuses on the overall carbon impact of a home, mainly through its energy use for heating, cooling, and electricity — known as operational carbon. It does not currently regulate the carbon embodied in building materials or construction processes.
Compliance is demonstrated using a 2025 “notional building”, a standard reference model defined by the regulations. The home being built is compared to this notional model to ensure it meets strict emissions limits.
While the FHS prioritises overall home performance, it also includes mandatory minimum standards for key building elements, such as walls, roofs, floors, and windows, to prevent builders from relying solely on technology, like heat pumps, to mask poor building fabric. This ensures that homes are genuinely energy-efficient and low-carbon in practice.
Compliance Through Building Regulations
While the previous section explained how a home’s carbon performance is measured, the FHS also enforces these standards through legal requirements under updates to Part L of the Building Regulations. Developers must demonstrate that their projects meet the required standards before the home is completed, ensuring it achieves the intended energy performance.
By combining performance modelling with legal oversight, the FHS guarantees that new homes are future-ready, energy-efficient, and aligned with the UK’s broader carbon reduction goals, rather than relying on costly retrofits later.
Benefits of the FHS for Homeowners
The Future Homes Standard isn’t just a set of rules for builders; it also brings tangible advantages for homeowners.
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lower Environmental Impact | By consuming less energy and integrating low-carbon technologies, these homes help reduce carbon emissions. Homeowners can live more sustainably, contributing to national net-zero goals while lowering their own environmental footprint. |
| Long-Term Savings and Resilient Homes | Homes built to the FHS are designed to deliver significant long-term cost savings. Improved insulation, better-quality glazing, and low-carbon heating systems reduce the energy required to heat, cool, and power the home, keeping bills lower over time. While these higher-spec materials and technologies can increase upfront construction costs, the result is a property that is more resilient and cheaper to run. |
| Improved Comfort and Health | Enhanced insulation, airtight construction, and mechanical ventilation, where appropriate, ensure stable indoor temperatures throughout the year. Homes experience fewer draughts, cold spots, or overheating issues, while better ventilation supports healthier indoor air quality, contributing to a more comfortable and safe living environment. |
| Future-Proof Properties | FHS-compliant homes are built to meet modern performance standards, meaning they are less likely to require costly retrofits or upgrades as regulations evolve. This helps protect property value and ensures the home remains attractive to future buyers. |
| Reduced Maintenance Needs | The use of higher-quality materials and improved construction techniques can reduce issues like damp, condensation, or wear on building components. This can lead to fewer repairs over time, saving both money and stress for homeowners. |
| Greater Energy Independence | Many FHS-ready homes are designed to accommodate solar panels, battery storage, or smart energy systems. This allows homeowners to generate and manage their own energy, reducing reliance on the grid and increasing control over household energy use. |
JVB Construction: Expert Builders for FHS Projects
Delivering a home that meets the Future Homes Standard requires expert knowledge and precise execution. JVB Construction knows exactly what’s needed to ensure your new build fully complies with FHS.
“The Future Homes Standard is a major step forward for energy-efficient, low-carbon living. At JVB Construction, we ensure every new build meets these standards, delivering homes that are not only compliant but comfortable, sustainable, and built to last,” says Joe Bruckland, Managing Director.
Key benefits of working with JVB Construction, builders in Surrey, include:
- End-to-end project management: With our Surrey design and build service offering, JVB Construction manages every stage of your project from architectural design and planning through to construction and handover, ensuring full FHS compliance and delivering a stress-free, energy-efficient, future-ready home.
- Local knowledge and regulatory expertise: Our team understands local building regulations and planning requirements, helping homeowners navigate approvals efficiently.
- Commitment to sustainability: We deliver bespoke, durable homes, using environmentally responsible materials and practices.
- Trusted accreditations: JVB Construction holds recognised accreditations, reinforcing our commitment to safety, quality, and responsible construction practices.
- Clear communication and transparency: Clients benefit from detailed quotations, regular progress updates, and open communication, making the build process stress-free and predictable.
Did You Know? JVB Construction can also act as principal contractor for new build homes in Surrey, helping landowners and property developers manage the full construction of multiple properties while ensuring full FHS compliance.
Whether you are planning a custom home, major renovation, or a full-scale extension, JVB Construction provides the guidance, expertise, and reassurance you need to deliver an FHS-compliant, energy-efficient property with confidence.
Contact JVB Construction today to discuss your project and start building your future-ready home.
