New Build Energy Efficiency Standards 2026 — What Your New Home Must Meet

New build homes are dramatically more energy efficient than the existing housing stock. Understanding what the current standards require — and what to verify before purchasing — ensures you're getting what you're entitled to.

The Future Homes Standard (FHS)

The Future Homes Standard was introduced to deliver new homes that are highly energy efficient and "zero carbon ready" — meaning they can be powered entirely by clean electricity without further retrofit. The standard targets a 75–80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to homes built under the previous Part L 2013 regulations.

Under the FHS, new homes must be built to deliver an EPC rating of **A or B** as standard. The majority of new builds in 2026 should achieve an EPC A or high B rating.

Part L of Building Regulations

Part L governs the energy efficiency of buildings. The 2021 uplift to Part L was an interim step towards the FHS, requiring new homes to produce approximately 31% fewer carbon emissions than the previous standard. If a property was built or permitted pre-2021, it will be on lower standards.

No Gas Boilers in New Builds

The target to end gas boiler installation in new homes has been subject to repeated implementation delays. However, leading housebuilders have already transitioned to heat pump installations on new developments. Expect your new build to have:

• **Air source heat pump** (most common) — extracts heat from outside air; most efficient at moderate temperatures
• **Ground source heat pump** (less common, more efficient) — extracts heat from the ground

Heat pumps require **low-temperature underfloor heating or oversized radiators** to work efficiently. These should be standard in a new build built to FHS specifications. Confirm with the developer.

EV Charger — Mandatory Since 2022

Under Building Regulations Part S (effective June 2022), all new residential buildings with associated parking must include an electric vehicle charge point. This is a legal requirement, not an optional extra. Confirm the type of charger provided:

• A 7kW single-phase charge point is standard
• Check whether it's a "tethered" charger (fixed cable) or a socket unit

Solar Panels

Many new developments now include roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels as standard, driven by FHS requirements. Check:

• Who **owns** the panels — if the developer retains ownership and leases them to you (a solar lease/PPA arrangement), this can affect your mortgage and future sale
• Whether battery storage is included or available as an upgrade
• The expected annual generation output and self-consumption estimate

Verifying Compliance

Before completing, confirm:

1. **EPC certificate** — obtain a copy of the as-built EPC (not just the design-stage SAP calculation)

2. **Building completion certificate** — issued by the local authority Building Control or an approved inspector; confirms the building was completed to approved plans

3. **Commissioning documentation** for heat pump, MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) system, and solar panels

Store all of these in your Property Passport UK from day one. Future buyers and lenders will require evidence of the property's energy credentials, and having them organised saves significant time on any future sale.