FHS Implementation: Key Dates & Milestones
From the first consultation in 2019 to full compliance in 2027 — every critical date in the Future Homes Standard journey and what each milestone means for the industry.
FHS Consultation Launched
The government published the first Future Homes Standard consultation, proposing that new homes should produce 75–80% less carbon than those built to 2013 standards. Industry responses shaped the direction of the standard.
Interim Part L Uplift
An interim update to Part L came into force, requiring a 31% reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2013 levels. This was designed as a stepping stone to the full FHS, introducing tighter fabric standards and encouraging low-carbon heating.
Second Consultation & Technical Refinement
The government published a second consultation with refined technical specifications. Key areas included the Home Energy Model methodology, transition arrangements, and the relationship between fabric performance and heating system choice.
Regulations Laid & SAP 10.3 Available
In March 2026, the government published its consultation response and laid the FHBS regulations in Parliament. An updated version of SAP (SAP 10.3) was made available as the approved calculation methodology for FHS compliance. The Home Energy Model (HEM) is expected to become available no earlier than 3 months later, with a minimum 24-month dual running period alongside SAP 10.3.
FHS Comes into Force — 24 March 2027
The Future Homes and Buildings Standards come into force on 24 March 2027 for non-higher-risk building work. A 12-month transition period follows — developers must submit relevant documents to building control by 24 March 2027 and commence construction by 24 March 2028 to build to 2021 standards. Higher-Risk Buildings have a later date of 24 September 2027, with Gateway 2 applications required before that date.
Transition Period Ends
Construction must commence by 24 March 2028 for any non-HRB building work still relying on Part L 2021 transitional provisions. After this date, all new construction must comply with the full Future Homes and Buildings Standards. Historic 2013 transitional arrangements are also being sunset — work must start by this date. The UK housing industry enters a new era of zero-carbon ready construction.
Transition Period Rules
The FHBS comes into force on 24 March 2027 for non-higher-risk building work, with a 12-month transition period. The government has set these arrangements to balance urgency of carbon reductions with giving industry adequate time to adapt.
Non-HRB Buildings
For standard (non-higher-risk) building work, relevant documents — initial notice, building notice, or full plans application — must be submitted to the relevant building control body by 24 March 2027. Construction must then commence on the building by 24 March 2028. If both deadlines are met, the building may be completed to Part L 2021 standards. Otherwise, the full FHBS applies.
Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs)
Higher-Risk Buildings (at least 18m or 7 storeys, containing 2+ residential units, or a care home/hospital) have alternative arrangements. The regulations come into force on 24 September 2027 for HRB work. A valid Gateway 2 application must be submitted to the Building Safety Regulator before that date, and must not be rejected. Construction must commence within 3 years of the application, as required by existing legislation.
Historic Transitional Arrangements
The 2013 transitional arrangements — which allowed continued use of 2010 Part L standards on some large sites — are being sunset. To continue building to 2010 standards, construction must start on each building by 24 March 2028. This does not apply to HRB work, where the 2013 and related 2021 transitional arrangements are maintained due to the complexity and longer build times of these projects.
Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland
The Future Homes and Buildings Standards apply to England only. Scotland has its own building standards (Section 6), Wales has Part L Wales, and Northern Ireland has its own regulations. All four nations are moving towards low-carbon housing but on different timelines and with different technical requirements.
Timeline & Transition Questions
When exactly does the FHBS come into force?
The Future Homes and Buildings Standards come into force on 24 March 2027 for non-higher-risk building (non-HRB) work. For Higher-Risk Buildings, the regulations come into force on 24 September 2027. The regulations were laid in Parliament in March 2026, giving industry 12 months to prepare before the standards take effect.
Can I still build to Part L 2021 after March 2027?
Yes, under transitional provisions. For non-HRB work, relevant documents (initial notice, building notice, or full plans application) must be submitted to building control by 24 March 2027, and construction must commence by 24 March 2028. If both conditions are met, the building can be completed to Part L 2021 standards. For HRBs, a valid Gateway 2 application must be submitted to the Building Safety Regulator before 24 September 2027.
What calculation methodology will be used for FHS compliance?
An updated version of SAP (SAP 10.3) will be available as an approved calculation methodology at the launch of the FHS. The Home Energy Model (HEM) will become an approved calculation methodology no earlier than 3 months after the March 2026 consultation response. During a dual running period of at least 24 months, either SAP 10.3 or HEM can be used. HEM remains the government's preferred methodology for the future.
Does the FHS apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
No. The Future Homes and Buildings Standards apply to England only. Scotland has its own building standards (Section 6), Wales has Part L Wales, and Northern Ireland has its own regulations. All four nations are moving towards low-carbon housing but on different timelines and with different technical requirements.