Future Homes and Buildings Standards confirmed for March 2027

Future Homes and Buildings Standards confirmed for March 2027

The Government has now confirmed that the Future Homes and Buildings Standards (FHS) will come into force on 24 March 2027, providing long-awaited clarity for developers, designers and the wider construction industry.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in the UK’s journey towards low-carbon construction, with new requirements set to fundamentally reshape how homes and buildings are designed and delivered.

Key implementation dates

The updated regulations introduce a clear timeline for compliance:

• 24 March 2027 – FHS comes into force for new residential and non-domestic buildings
• 24 September 2027 – FHS comes into force for higher-risk buildings (HRBs), subject to specific provisions
• 24 March 2028 – End of the main transition period for non-higher-risk buildings

These dates are critical for project planning, procurement and design coordination, particularly for schemes currently in development.

Transitional arrangements explained

A 12-month transition period will apply for most projects, although the detail varies depending on building type.

For non-higher-risk buildings:

• Projects can continue under previous standards where a building notice, initial notice, or application for building control approval with full plans is submitted before 24 March 2027
• Construction must commence before 24 March 2028 to retain transitional protection

For higher-risk buildings (HRBs):

• Transitional provisions apply where a valid building control approval application is submitted to the regulator before 24 September 2027, and is not rejected
• Where protection applies to a stage of HRB work, it can extend to subsequent stages, provided the original application does not lapse

Additional transitional arrangements may also apply where earlier provisions remain in force, including those linked to the 2021 Part L Uplift and the introduction of the higher-risk building regime.

This means that developers and project teams must carefully consider submission routes, approval status and start-on-site dates to determine which standards will apply.

What the new standards require

The Regulations implement the Future Homes and Buildings Standards through amendments to the Building Regulations 2010, supported by updated guidance in Approved Document L Volume 1, Approved Document L Volume 2 and Approved Document F Volume 1.

Applying to buildings and building work in England, the changes are designed to deliver low-carbon heating, stronger energy performance and better operational guidance for new homes and buildings.

Key requirements include:

• On-site renewable electricity (Part L3) – A new requirement introduces on-site renewable electricity generation for new dwellings and buildings containing dwellings, expected in practice to mean solar PV provision at around 40% of ground floor area, subject to exemptions.
• Low-carbon heating – New homes will need to use low-carbon heating systems, with heat pumps expected to become the primary solution in place of gas boilers.
• Improved energy and ventilation standards – Updated Approved Documents L and F strengthen requirements around energy efficiency, emissions reduction, ventilation, installation and commissioning, helping ensure new buildings are zero-carbon ready.
• Clearer building services requirements – The guidance sets out stronger expectations around system efficiency, heat loss, controls, certification and compliance routes, including for mixed-use buildings and those connected to heat networks.
• Home User Guide (Regulation 40C) – Homeowners must be provided with clear information on how to operate and maintain their property and its systems.
• Other regulatory updates – The changes also expand the definition of fixed building services, update the role of registered building control approvers, and remove older transitional arrangements from 2013 and 2021, subject to limited exceptions.

Overall, the Regulations raise the baseline for new development, helping ensure buildings are designed for a low-carbon future from the outset.

What this means for the industry

While the direction of travel has been clear for some time, the confirmation of dates places renewed urgency on the industry.

As we’ve previously highlighted, the challenge is not just compliance, but capability. Designers, contractors and developers must:

• Upskill in low-carbon technologies and systems
• Adapt design approaches to integrate renewables, ventilation and building services strategies
• Ensure early engagement with building control to avoid delays and redesign

The transitional window should not be seen as an opportunity to delay adoption, but rather as a critical preparation period.

Ben Cheeseman, Commercial Director at Harwood Building Control Ltd, said: “We will continue to support clients in navigating regulatory change, ensuring projects are designed and delivered in line with both current and upcoming requirements. With the FHS now firmly on the horizon, early engagement and informed decision-making will be key to avoiding programme risk, cost escalation and compliance challenges.”

Looking ahead

The confirmation of the March 2027 implementation date brings much-needed certainty, but also reinforces the scale of change facing the industry. The next 12–18 months will be pivotal in determining how effectively the sector adapts.

Those who prepare early by embedding low-carbon design principles now will be best placed to deliver compliant, future-ready buildings in line with the new standards.

To discuss how Harwood Building Control can support your project through the upcoming regulatory changes, get in touch on 01227 931 777 or enquiries@harwood.uk.com.