These are confirmed changes, not merely a consultation proposal. [1]
What changes in the new-home design?
The published package updates Part L guidance on energy and greenhouse-gas emissions and Part F guidance on ventilation. It addresses the building's energy performance, heating and hot-water systems, controls, commissioning and information for the occupier. The requirements need to be coordinated across the design rather than treated as a late change of heating appliance. [1]
The new Part L guidance sets specific carbon and primary-energy conditions for heating and hot-water services in new dwellings, with a separate route for district heat networks. It includes detailed provisions for heat-pump design, installation and commissioning. Do not assume that a specification prepared for the earlier rules can be reused without assessment. [2]
A new functional requirement, L3, concerns on-site renewable electricity generation when a dwelling, or a building containing dwellings, is erected. The guidance permits photovoltaic panels or another renewable technology and contains defined exceptions. It is not accurate to say that every roof must carry the same panel area regardless of the building's circumstances. [1] [2]
Which projects can use transitional protection?
For ordinary non-higher-risk building work, the published transition requires the relevant building notice, initial notice or full-plans building control application to have been given before 24 March 2027, and the work to have commenced, as defined, on the relevant building before 24 March 2028. Check both conditions and keep evidence for each building. [1]
This is not secured simply by obtaining planning permission, appointing a contractor or beginning unrelated site preparation. Have the building control body confirm the applicable submission and commencement requirements before relying on the earlier standard. [1]
For higher-risk building work, the separate transition concerns a valid building control approval application submitted to the regulator before 24 September 2027 and not rejected. The circular also explains protection for subsequent stages where the original staged application has not been rejected or lapsed. Do not copy the ordinary transition timetable into an HRB programme. [1]
Does it require existing homes to be rebuilt?
No. The Future Homes Standard is the new-home standard. The wider regulatory package also contains provisions affecting work to existing buildings, so an extension or refurbishment needs its own assessment under the relevant provisions; it should not be described as a new home simply because substantial work is proposed. [1] [2]
What should be settled before procurement?
Record the applicable regulatory edition, assessment methodology, building-control route and transition assumptions. Coordinate the energy calculation with the actual heating system, ventilation, insulation and renewable generation proposed. The government's published methodology update identifies SAP 10.3 for the new standard and describes a delayed introduction of the Home Energy Model. [3]
Include commissioning records and the required operating information in the completion brief. The updated guidance includes a Home User Guide and system-specific information: a technically compliant installation still needs to be explained to the person who will operate it. [1] [2]