England's Future Homes Standard has a date: 24 March 2027
New homes in England will need low-carbon heating and their own renewable electricity. If you're buying off-plan, ask which rules your plot is built to.
England’s Future Homes Standard is due to take effect on 24 March 2027, with a later date of 24 September 2027 for higher-risk buildings. The new requirements cover energy efficiency, low-carbon heating and on-site renewable electricity generation.
For a buyer, the useful question is which standard applies to the individual plot. Under the transition arrangements for buildings other than higher-risk buildings, qualifying notices or full plans submitted before 24 March 2027 can use the earlier rules if the work has commenced, as defined in the regulations, before 24 March 2028.
Two homes sold in the same year may therefore be built under different rules. Ask the developer which regulations apply to your plot and what heating and renewable generation the specification includes. The purchase date alone does not determine the standard.
Applies to England. Source checked 10 October 2026.
Official source: GOV.UK — building circular 01/2026
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-building-circular-012026/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-building-circular-012026-letter