Heat pumps or heat networks for almost all new homes from 2028

UK – Almost all new homes built in the UK will need be fitted with a heat pump or connected to a heat network from 2028, following the long-awaited publication of the Future Homes Standard (FHS). The guidance, which seeks to update the way residential properties are designed, was due to be introduced in 2025 after almost a decade of development and consultation.

Housebuilders will also be required to install solar panels covering at least 40% of the ground floor space, while the Government also announced plans to make smaller plug-in solar panels available to buy in the UK, as they already are in many parts of Europe.

The FHS is intended to ensure the majority of new homes are built cheaper to run, with solar panels and clean heating as standard. The Government claims the new measures could save families up to £830 a year on their energy bills, compared to a standard home with an EPC rating of C. This will ensure they are more comfortable and affordable, it adds, and create at least 75% less carbon emissions than those built to the 2013 standards.

Work is also continuing on technical details of the Home Energy Model (HEM), the Government’s new, independently quality‑assured methodology that will be one of the approved calculation methodologies to demonstrate compliance with the FHS. It will aim to support innovation in new‑build products, best‑practice heat pump installation, and recognise smart, zero‑bills technologies.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The Iran War has once again shown our drive for clean power is essential for our energy security so we can escape the grip of fossil fuel markets we don’t control.” Housing Secretary Steve Reed added: “As we make the switch to clean, homegrown energy, today’s standard is what the future of housing can and should look like. Not only will these changes protect hardworking families from shocks abroad but will also slash hundreds of pounds off their energy bills every year.”

Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association (HPA) UK, said: “We are delighted to get confirmation that following a transition period, all new homes and buildings will benefit from low carbon heating such as heat pumps and heat networks. Coupled with solar PV, heat pumps and connections to heat networks provide a future proofed solution which will strengthen the UK’s energy security.

“Whilst the sector has been scaling up, with over a quarter of new homes built in the UK in 2025 having a heat pump, this clarity will unlock further investment into the supply chain, supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs, and contribute to the UK’s wider economic growth.”

Jeff House, Director of External Affairs and Policy at heat pump manufacturer Baxi, said: “After many years of workshops, consultations and industry debate the long-awaited standards are finally here. Effectively new dwellings and non-domestic buildings will be required to adopt low carbon heating technology to comply.

“Functional changes will be enacted through Building Regulations with new versions of Approved Documents L and F published today, although owing to transitional arrangements March 2028 will be the pivotal moment where change really happens in practice.

“Heat pumps and low carbon heat networks will become the norm here and we are well placed to provide a fully engineered solution with our extensive UK product, training and aftersales support offer.

“On a practical note there is still much to do behind the scenes regarding the Home Energy Model (HEM) which is not yet ready, so Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) V10.3 will be adopted as an interim measure.”

What matters now is implementation, and ensuring households have confidence in the technologies their new home will come with

Garry Felgate,CEO of The MCS Foundation

Garry Felgate is CEO of The MCS Foundation, which oversees the MCS standards scheme which certifies the quality of renewable energy across UK homes. He said: “The confirmation that the majority of all new homes in England will have solar panels and low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps is very good news – for energy security, for the UK’s progress toward a carbon-free future, and for the countless households that will benefit as a result.

“What matters now is implementation, and ensuring households have confidence in the technologies their new home will come with. So, it’s vital that housebuilders consider quality and consumer protection, by ensuring every installation is delivered by an MCS-certified installer, to MCS standards.”

From the ground source sector, James Priestley, CEO at Kensa, said: The Future Homes Standard is a hugely positive step. It gives the UK a clear route away from gas and sends a strong signal that clean, efficient heating is the default for new homes. We firmly believe networked ground source heat pumps are the best solution. Confirmation of the details and timeframe allows us to invest and build our supply chain with confidence, scale UK manufacturing and deliver for our customers.”

Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, said: “People want to be free of these fossil fuel crises. Since the conflict in the Middle East began, interest in solar has shot up 50%, heat pump and electric cars are also seeing surges. Every solar panel, heat pump and battery cuts bills and boosts Britain’s energy independence. And the government’s latest steps can help cut the costs of electrification.”