Overview

• The Future Homes Standard, set for publication this autumn, will obligate around 80% of new homes in England to fit solar panels covering at least 40% of their roof area with limited exemptions.
• New builds will be required to install low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps in place of gas boilers under the same regulations.
• Officials estimate homeowners could save roughly £530 annually on energy bills, despite construction costs rising by an estimated £3,000 to £4,000 per property.
• Renewable energy associations and environmental NGOs have praised the plans, while housebuilder groups warn that increased upfront costs and potential bureaucracy may affect housing supply.
• The regulations will take effect in 2027 and form part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions from housing as England works towards its net-zero goals.