The Future Homes Standard (FHS), set to come into effect in 2025, marks a major step towards creating more energy-efficient homes in the UK.

With the government’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the FHS will ensure that all new homes are built to produce significantly less carbon while being cheaper to run. At Arc Design Services, we’re staying ahead of these changes, helping homeowners, developers, and self-builders navigate the new regulations. In this blog, we discuss everything you need to know about FHS 2025 and how it will impact home design and construction.

What is the Future Homes Standard?

The FHS aims to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75-80% compared to current standards. To achieve this, new builds will need to incorporate:

• Low-Carbon Heating – Traditional gas boilers will be phased out in favour of heat pumps and other low-carbon systems.
• Better Insulation & Air Tightness – Homes will need high-performance insulation, triple-glazed windows, and improved ventilation to minimise heat loss.
• Renewable Energy Sources – Solar panels, heat recovery systems, and other sustainable technologies will become more common.

Recent changes to FHS – What’s Happing with Gas Boilers?

One key update is that the government has scrapped plans to ban the sale of gas boilers by 2035, but new homes will still be required to meet energy efficiency standards, which means gas boilers won’t be an option for new builds. Instead, the focus remains on heat pumps and alternative heating solutions. To support this shift, the government has extended a £7,500 grant for heat pump installations.

What Does This Mean for Homeowners and Developers?

For developers, this means a shift in how homes are designed and built. Construction materials, heating systems, and insulation techniques will all need to meet stricter efficiency standards. While the upfront costs may be slightly higher, the long-term savings and benefits for homeowners should be significant.

Homeowners looking to extend or renovate their properties should also be aware of these changes, as future regulations could impact planning and construction requirements. At Arc Design Services, we’re committed to helping our clients adapt to these new standards, with practical, stylish, and energy-efficient solutions.

Arc Design Services can help future-proof your home designs, provide guidance on low-carbon heating and provide regulatory compliance support, whether you’re planning a new build, extension, or renovation, now is the time to prepare for these changes. Get in touch today on 0161 928 4433 to discuss how we can help you create a future-proof, energy-efficient home.