The Future Homes Standard (FHS) has now been confirmed, with implementation set for 2028 and key transitional milestones leading up to it.
While the direction of travel has been clear for some time, this latest update provides greater definition on how and when changes will take effect.
For housebuilders, the focus now shifts from anticipation to planning.
Key Timeline and Regulatory Changes
The updated roadmap introduces several important milestones:
- A new version of Part L is expected to apply from 24 March 2027, with a 12-month transitional period
- Higher-Risk Buildings (18m+ or 7 storeys+) will be required to comply from 24 September 2027
- The Future Homes Standard will follow in 2028, completing the transition
This creates a phased implementation rather than a single changeover point.
What the Future Homes Standard Will Require
While full technical detail continues to develop, the core approach remains consistent.
Compliance is expected to remain fabric-led, supported by:
- Target Emission Rate (TER)
- Target Primary Energy Rate (TPER)
- Fabric Energy Efficiency (FEE)
- Use of low-carbon heating systems, particularly heat pumps
In addition, proposals indicate a greater role for on-site renewable energy.
This is expected to include solar PV, with early guidance suggesting coverage requirements linked to floor area where practical.
A More Complex Transition Period
The phased timeline means housebuilders will now operate across multiple regulatory stages.
In practice, this means:
- Some schemes will complete under current regulations
- Others will move into updated Part L requirements
- Later phases may need to align fully with the Future Homes Standard
This overlap increases complexity across planning, design and delivery.
What This Means for Scheme Planning
The key challenge is no longer understanding the standard itself.
It is managing timing and consistency across a portfolio.
Housebuilders will need to consider:
1. Programme Alignment
Schemes must be reviewed against the new timeline to understand where they sit within the transition.
2. Specification Strategy
Decisions are required on whether to:
- Maintain current specifications
- Move ahead of regulation
- Or vary approach by site or phase
3. Portfolio Consistency
Different standards across schemes introduce risks in:
- Procurement
- Supply chain coordination
- Product consistency
- Customer expectations
Increased Importance of Early Design Decisions
The confirmed timeline reinforces the importance of early-stage planning.
Decisions around heating systems, fabric performance and renewable integration will determine how easily schemes can adapt to future requirements.
Late-stage changes in these areas remain costly and disruptive.
Conclusion
The Future Homes Standard is now defined in principle and structured in delivery.
The key challenge for housebuilders is not what is coming, but how to navigate the period leading up to it.
A phased transition introduces flexibility, but also complexity.
Managing that effectively will be critical to maintaining programme certainty and controlling cost.
How JosTec Supports Housebuilders Through Transition
At JosTec, we support residential developers in understanding how evolving regulations impact both current and future schemes.
Our focus is on aligning compliance strategy with delivery, ensuring decisions made today remain viable across the transition period.
Clarity at the right stage reduces risk later.
