New regulations in England will require all new homes to be fitted with solar panels and heat pumps, marking a significant shift in building standards aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These changes form part of the Future Homes Standard, which will prohibit new properties from connecting to the gas network from 2028.

The Future Homes Standard and its requirements

The Future Homes Standard introduces mandatory installation of heat pumps or connection to district heating networks in all new builds. Additionally, rooftop solar panels will need to cover an area equivalent to 40% of the ground floor space. This is a substantial increase from current levels, as the government notes only around 5% of homes presently have solar panels installed.

The move is designed to promote cleaner energy sources and improve the energy efficiency of new homes, reducing carbon emissions and lowering running costs for occupants.

Government perspective on energy security

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasised the importance of clean power for national energy security, stating, “The Iran war has once again shown our drive for clean power is essential for our energy security so we can escape the grip of fossil fuel markets we don’t control.”

He added that the government is committed to expanding clean power through measures such as fitting solar panels as standard on new homes and enabling consumers to purchase plug-in solar panels in retail outlets, aiming to achieve “energy sovereignty” for the UK.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed highlighted the broader benefits, saying, “Building 1.5 million new homes also means building high-quality homes that are cheaper to run and warmer to live in.” He described the new standard as a vision for the future of housing.

Introduction of plug-in solar panels

Alongside the new build requirements, ministers plan to permit the sale of plug-in solar panels designed for balconies and small outdoor spaces. These systems, which can be self-installed without upfront installation costs, are expected to be stocked by major retailers such as Lidl and Amazon.

While these panels are widely used across Europe—with over 1.5 million homes in Germany adopting the technology—they are not currently sold in the UK due to electrical safety regulations. The government is reviewing these regulations to facilitate their introduction.

Challenges and exemptions in implementation

Housebuilders have expressed concerns about the scale of solar panel coverage required, particularly the 40% ground floor area mandate, citing potential design challenges. Exemptions will be available where building design restricts roof space, although detailed criteria have yet to be confirmed.

Notably, battery storage is not included as a mandatory element despite its potential to increase energy savings when paired with solar systems.

Comparisons with Scotland and political context

Scotland has already banned gas and oil heating systems in new-build homes, requiring developers to install climate-friendly alternatives such as heat pumps, district heating, or wood burners. This places England’s new rules in a broader UK context of moving towards sustainable heating solutions.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has advocated for prioritising domestic energy supply to reduce bills and has called for new licences for North Sea oil and gas production, highlighting ongoing political debate about the best approach to energy policy.

What this means for landlords

Landlords should prepare for the forthcoming changes in building regulations that will affect new developments from 2028 onwards. The requirement for integrated heat pumps and significant solar panel coverage will influence design, construction costs, and future energy efficiency standards.

These measures are likely to improve the energy performance of new rental properties, potentially reducing energy bills for tenants and enhancing property appeal. However, landlords and agents should also be aware of possible design constraints and exemptions that may apply in certain cases.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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