10 Comment


The upcoming deadlines introduce a level of urgency that developers cannot aff ord to ignore


relatively easily, but more complex layouts or less favourable orientations introduce additional challenges. In these cases, achieving suffi cient output may require panels to be


distributed across multiple roof slopes, including front and rear elevations, to compensate for reduced effi ciency. T is increased reliance on PV places greater emphasis on early design coordination, particularly where competing considerations such as daylighting, overheating and planning constraints also infl uence house orientation. As a result, good performance is not simply about maximising solar gain, but about striking the right balance between energy generation and overall building quality. Despite these technical changes, the visible character of new homes is


unlikely to alter dramatically. T e Future Homes Standard operates largely behind the scenes, embedded within services design and performance modelling rather than external appearance. Materials, layouts and architectural styles will continue to refl ect local character and planning expectations, while energy effi ciency measures become increasingly integrated and less visible. T is is an important aspect of the transition, ensuring that improved environmental performance does not come at the expense of placemaking or market appeal. While the direction of travel is clear, the transition to the Future Homes


Standard is defi ned as much by process as by specifi cation. T e upcoming deadlines introduce a level of urgency that developers cannot aff ord to ignore. In England, the new regulations will apply to developments where building control applications are submitted and accepted from 24 March 2027, with a transitional window allowing projects submitted before this date to proceed under current regulations. However, this fl exibility is limited: any homes not started by 24 March 2028 must be redesigned to meet the new standard. For


high-rise and other buildings, a six-month extension applies, but the overall message remains the same. T ese are fi rm deadlines, and with design, planning and procurement cycles oſt en spanning several years, the time available to respond is shorter than it initially appears. T e Wales equivalent goes live on 4 March 2027 – Scotland is still to confi rm timescales. T e fi rst step for developers is therefore to assess their pipeline and determine


which projects will fall within the scope of the new regulations. T is requires a clear understanding of submission dates, build programmes and phasing strategies, particularly on larger sites where some plots may straddle the transition period. Once this position is established, attention must shiſt to reviewing standard house types and technical specifi cations. Adapting designs to accommodate heat pump systems, identifying suitable roof confi gurations for PV and ensuring that airtightness and ventilation strategies align with the updated notional specifi cation will be critical. At the same time, the way in which compliance is demonstrated is evolving.


T e introduction of SAP 10.3, followed by the transition to the Home Energy Model, brings increased complexity and a greater reliance on detailed modelling. T is shiſt reinforces the need for early engagement between developers, architects, engineers and energy consultants, as decisions made at concept stage will have a direct impact on whether schemes can achieve compliance without costly redesign. Ultimately, the Future Homes Standard represents a move from anticipation


to implementation. T e key principles low-carbon heating, onsite renewables and improved energy effi ciency have been well signposted for years. What has changed is the clarity of requirements and the immediacy of the timeline. In this new context, good practice is defi ned not by radical innovation, but by eff ective prioritisation: maintaining strong fabric performance, embracing electrifi cation and integrating renewable energy as a core component of design. T ose who act early and proactively align their processes and specifi cations will fi nd the transition manageable. T ose who delay risk being constrained by both time and compliance.


Jon Ponting is Future Homes Standard policy lead at AES Sustainability


Housing Management & Maintenance Autumn 2026


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36