The Future Homes Standard 2025 is set to bring major changes to how new homes are built in Surrey and Hampshire, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.
This government-led initiative is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that new homes are built to be highly energy-efficient, with low-carbon heating systems. But what does this mean for homeowners, builders, and developers in these regions? Let’s explore the key changes and how they will impact housing in Surrey and Hampshire.
What Is the Future Homes Standard 2025?
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is a set of building regulations aimed at ensuring that all new homes produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than those built under current regulations.
These standards will be mandatory from 2025 and will require developers to integrate energy-efficient materials, low-carbon heating solutions, and improved insulation into new builds to reduce energy consumption.
Additionally, the Future Homes Standard aims for zero carbon emissions by designing new homes to be 'Zero-Carbon Ready,' ensuring no further modifications will be needed once the electricity grid is fully decarbonized.
Key elements of the Future Homes Standard include:
Ban on gas boilers in new homes, replaced with heat pumps and other low-carbon heating technologies.
Higher insulation standards to reduce energy loss and improve efficiency.
Renewable energy integration, such as solar panels.
More stringent ventilation and air-tightness regulations to improve indoor air quality and reduce heat loss.
How Will This Affect Homeowners in Surrey & Hampshire?
For homeowners in Surrey and Hampshire, the Future Homes Standard will shape the future of property development, home efficiency, energy demand, and energy costs. If you are planning to buy a new home, you can expect high quality homes with energy efficiency, lower heating bills, and improved comfort levels.
Lower Energy Bills Through Energy Efficiency
With enhanced insulation, better glazing, and modern heating systems, new homes will require less energy to heat, leading to lower utility bills for homeowners. This is particularly beneficial in cold winter months, where improved insulation will help retain heat more effectively. Reduced energy use will also lessen the pressure on the electricity grid, especially during peak times.
More Sustainable Housing Market
Surrey and Hampshire are already known for their desirable housing markets, and the introduction of energy-efficient homes will likely boost property demand. Buyers are increasingly looking for sustainable, eco-friendly properties that utilize renewable energy sources, such as heat pumps and solar PV, to lower running costs, making these new homes highly attractive investments.
Increased Property Value
Future homes and buildings built to the Future Homes Standard are expected to be more desirable and have higher resale values. Properties with high energy efficiency ratings (such as EPC A-rated homes) are in demand, as they align with the UK’s net-zero carbon targets.
New Low Carbon Heating Technologies
The transition from gas boilers to heat pumps and other low-carbon alternatives may require homeowners to adapt to new heating systems. Air source and ground source heat pumps will become standard, providing a cleaner, more efficient way to heat homes.
The home energy model (HEM) will be used to assess the efficiency of these new heating technologies, offering a more precise evaluation by breaking down the year into half-hourly intervals for dynamic modeling.
Impact on Builders & Developers in Surrey & Hampshire
Developers in Surrey and Hampshire will need to adapt their construction practices to reduce the carbon emissions generated and meet the new Future Homes Standard regulations. This means using better insulation, advanced heating technologies, and sustainable building materials into their projects.
1. Higher Construction Standards
Builders will need to meet strict energy efficiency targets, using triple glazing, airtight designs, and high-performance insulation to reduce energy loss.
Future buildings must adhere to the Future Buildings Standard, ensuring all heating and hot water demands are met through low-carbon sources, promoting an environmentally sustainable approach in line with government targets for reducing carbon emissions by 2050.
2. Increased Demand for Renewable Energy
The Future Homes Standard encourages the use of solar panels, battery storage, and energy-efficient lighting. Developers will need to design homes that integrate these technologies effectively.
3. New Compliance Requirements
Future homes and buildings will require detailed energy performance assessments to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Builders will need to work closely with architects, engineers, and energy consultants to meet these standards.
How Can Homeowners Prepare?
While the Future Homes Standard mainly applies to new builds, existing homeowners can take steps to reduce energy consumption and improve their property’s energy efficiency:
Upgrade insulation and glazing to reduce heat loss.
Install solar panels to generate renewable energy.
Switch to a heat pump or low-carbon heating system.
Improve ventilation and air-tightness for better indoor air quality.
Conclusion
The Future Homes Standard 2025 is set to transform the housing market in Surrey and Hampshire, ensuring that new homes are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Homebuyers will benefit from lower energy bills and enhanced property value, while builders will need to adapt to new construction techniques and energy regulations.
The Future Homes Standard aims for zero carbon emissions by requiring new homes to be designed as 'Zero-Carbon Ready.' This ensures that once the electricity grid is fully decarbonized, these homes will not need further modifications to achieve zero carbon emissions, aligning with the UK's ambitious net-zero goals for 2050.
As the UK moves towards a greener future, understanding these changes is crucial for homeowners, buyers, and developers alike. If you’re planning a new build or looking to upgrade your home’s efficiency, now is the time to start preparing for the Future Homes Standard 2025.
For more insights and updates on the latest building regulations, stay tuned to our blog!
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