What Is the Future Homes Standard 2026?
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is the UK government’s set of building regulations for new homes in England. From early 2026, it requires new dwellings to use low-carbon heating and, in most cases, generate renewable electricity on-site. In practice that means heat pumps are mandatory—gas and other fossil-fuel heating are no longer permitted—and solar panels are required on the vast majority of new builds, with limited exceptions for heavily shaded sites.
This isn’t a proposal; it’s confirmed policy. Housebuilders, developers, and installers need to plan for heat pump plant space, electrical capacity, emitter design, and solar from the earliest design stage. Treating heat pumps as a last-minute boiler swap leads to delays, redesigns, and extra cost.
Heat Pump Requirements for New Builds
Under the Future Homes Standard 2026:
- No fossil-fuel or biofuel heating—gas and oil boilers are not allowed in new homes.
- Heat pumps are the default—typically air-source or ground-source heat pumps meeting the standard.
- Design from day one—plant space, electrical capacity, heat emitters (radiators or underfloor), and noise (e.g. MCS 020(a) sound limits) must be considered at design stage, not as an afterthought.
New builds also move to the Home Energy Model (replacing SAP for new dwellings), with stricter fabric and performance requirements. Flats and multi-dwelling projects will typically use district heating or communal low-carbon systems where appropriate.
Solar Requirements for New Builds
Building regulations are being amended so that rooftop solar is standard on almost all new homes. The government’s intention is that typical new-build households can save around £530 per year on energy bills from solar alone. There is flexibility for homes that are heavily shaded or otherwise unsuitable—but the default is solar included.
Separately, the industry expects very high volumes of new-build solar installations annually (often cited in the region of 180,000) as the standard beds in. Installers and developers who lock in design-stage survey and specification workflows now will be best placed to deliver at scale. More detail: Future Homes Standard solar mandate.
Why Surveys and Heat Loss Matter for New Builds
Even though new builds are designed from scratch, heat loss calculations and system design evidence are still essential. They ensure:
- Correct heat pump sizing and emitter design for compliance and comfort.
- MCS and warranty requirements are met from the start.
- No last-minute redesigns when building control or the installer discovers the system doesn’t stack up.
For solar, new-build projects benefit from clear roof specs, shading assessment, and documentation that supports MCS and building regs. Getting this right at design stage avoids callbacks and keeps programmes on track.
We provide ASHP surveys, heat loss calculations, and solar PV surveys that installers and developers use to support Future Homes Standard compliance and smooth handover. If you’re working on new-build projects, get in touch to discuss scope and pricing.
Summary
The Future Homes Standard 2026 makes heat pumps and solar the norm for new homes in England. Gas boilers are out; heat pumps and solar are in. Developers and installers who plan plant space, electrical capacity, and evidence (surveys, heat loss, solar specs) from the start will avoid delays and win more work as volumes grow.