New build homes: a UK-wide shift in sustainability

You may not give much thought to how brand new homes are built but Governments actually dictate what can and can’t be included.

One area where there is intense political intervention is sustainability. Powers in England, Wales and Scotland are moving fast to ensure the 1,000s of new homes being built use less energy and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The changes don’t just affect the first ever owners of new build homes – subsequent homeowners will also experience a new way of heating and powering their homes. Here’s how new sustainable building regulations are reshaping how we live now, and in the future.

In England: The Future Homes Standard

England has strict building regulations that housebuilders have to abide by. The latest update is the Future Homes Standard or to give it its proper name, Part L 2026. The Future Homes Standard will be implemented in March 2027, radically changing the specification of new homes in England.

Buyers of new homes in England will notice: 

• No more gas and oil-fired boilers: all hot water and heating will primarily be supplied by renewable energy sources. These will include heat pumps, PV solar panels and connections to district heat networks. Homes will still be connected to the electricity grid as a back-up.

• All-electric homes: no connection to the gas mains, with all appliances being electric models 

• Internal layout changes: bigger storage spaces to accommodate larger hot water cylinders and waste water heat recovery systems.

• Water-saving measures: aerated taps and showers, and low flush toilets in wet rooms

• Improved airtight credentials: double or even triple glazing, better insulation and airtight external doors that work in tandem with a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system.

In Scotland: the Passivhaus Equivalent

The Scottish Government is developing a new approach to sustainability in new build homes. It would like to amend Section 6 within its Building Standards for New Homes so properties are built to a Passivhaus Equivalent standard.

The Scottish Government has confirmed new Passivhaus Equivalent standards will come into force from 31st March 2028.

It’s worth noting Scotland’s New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) banned new homes from including oil and gas-fired boilers on 1st April 2024.

Buyers of new homes in Scotland will notice:

• Better insulation: keeping homes cool in summer and warmer in winter

• Energy-efficient glazing: high performance windows and doors fitted with triple glazing 

• Airtight construction: limiting warm air escaping and cold air entering the home, paired with a MVHR system for cleaner air and a more even temperature inside

In Wales: Welsh Building Regulations Update 2026

The Welsh Government has been consulting on changing its Building Regulations (specifically Parts L, F and O), to drive up energy efficiency standards in the new homes sector. New regulations will come into force on 4th March 2027, with a 12-month transition period.

Buyers of new homes in Wales will notice:

• Energy from renewable sources: a mandatory switch to PV solar panels, heat pumps and on-site renewable energy. This switch will phase out gas and oil-fired boilers by default (appliances powered by fossil fuels are not expected to meet new requirements).

• A new approach to air and heat quality: improved ventilation and airtightness, together with MVHR systems and strategies to mitigate overheating, such as solar shading

•  Enhanced building fabric: improved insulation or alternative building methods to reduce heat loss

New homes being built across the UK will soon make it easier for you to reduce your carbon emissions and lower your fuel bills – no retrofitting required. 

If your next move is imminent and you want to make sustainable living your top priority, contact us. We’re already selling homes with excellent EPC ratings and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and EV chargers.