The Future Homes Standard represents the most significant upgrade to how we build homes in England in a generation. Published on 24 March 2026, the new regulations require new homes to produce 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, achieved through on-site renewable energy generation on most new roofs (in practice, rooftop solar PV), low-carbon heating systems such as air source heat pumps replacing gas boilers, and enhanced building fabric performance including improved airtightness. The regulations come into force on 24 March 2027, with a 12-month transition period. Building work must have commenced under previous regulations by 24 March 2028.
For developers, this is a clear signal: the homes being designed today must be ready for a low-carbon future. For homeowners, it means stepping into a home that is cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in, and built to perform for decades, not just pass a minimum standard. The FHS does not just raise the bar. It redefines what a new home should be.
The Future Homes Standard is here. Are you ready?
The FHS requires new homes in England to produce 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than homes built under the 2013 Building Regulations. For most developers, that means three things:
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On-site renewable electricity generation — equivalent to the capacity of solar covering at least 40% of the building’s ground floor area. In practice, rooftop solar PV is the most realistic way to meet this requirement.
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Low-carbon heating — heat pumps or heat networks replace gas boilers as standard
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High-performance building fabric — better insulation, airtightness and ventilation
On-site renewables are no longer optional. The regulations were published on 24 March 2026, with compliance required from March 2028. For most homes, solar is the only practical route. The question isn’t whether to install it, it’s how much, what specification, and who pays for it.
Check your housing specification in 60 seconds
How it works:
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Tell us about your house type — select from detached, semi-detached, terraced, or apartment. Enter number of bedrooms and approximate floor area.
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Current spec — what heating system is planned? Is solar already in the specification? If so, what size system?
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Get your results — a personalised FHS compliance summary showing where you stand today, what gaps exist, and a recommended solar + battery specification to close them.
Solar that meets FHS — at zero cost to you
Gryd funds, installs and manages solar + battery systems on new-build homes. Developers get homes with FHS-compliant solar without adding to build cost. Homeowners get cheaper, cleaner energy from day one.
For developers:
- £0 upfront cost per plot — Gryd funds the hardware
- Systems sized to maximise bill savings, not just meet FHS minimums
- Works across all tenures: private sale, affordable, build-to-rent
- Solutions for both single family homes and apartment buildings
For homeowners:
- ~20% energy bill reduction from day one
- 70%+ energy covered by solar + battery
- Fixed subscription price for 25 years — protection from energy price volatility and future inflation
- maintenance, repair and replacement included
- The option to take ownership available at any time