Details of the Future Homes Standard 2025, announced by Chancellor Phillip Hammond in his Spring Statement, are expected to be published soon.
The Future Homes Standard 2025 will set out the requirements for new homes built in England. Secretary of State for Housing, James Brokenshire, has confirmed the standard will set out what are the requirements of new homes built in England, with the aim that the latest green technology will drive down energy bills and reduce environmental impact.
In the Statement, there was a strong focus on domestic energy consumption with proposals set to ensure all new homes are built without fossil fuel heating. New homes will have to be fitted with low carbon heating systems and meet “world-leading levels of efficiency” from 2025, Chancellor Phillip Hammond said.
The Future Homes Standards are expected to build on the Prime Minister’s Clean Growth Grand Challenge mission to at least halve the energy use of new build property by 2030, and halve the cost of renovating existing buildings to a similar standard as new buildings while increasing quality and safety.
Gwyn Roberts, New Homes & Communities Lead at BRE said “BRE welcomes the Chancellor’s proposal for a Future Homes Standard. We fully support the need for future-proofed new homes but don’t think we should wait until 2025 for them. Delivering homes that are fit for the future is not only about energy efficiency and carbon reduction. As the Chancellor stated, we must also value our green infrastructure. A resilient, future-proofed home is one that is fit for all, that meets our changing climate, demographics and social needs and does not need to be retrofitted. We must look at housing standards holistically and address the issues around permitted development. Everyone who buys or rents a new home must have a good experience.”
A spokesman for the Home Builders’ Federation said: “It must be ensured that alternative heat sources are suitably attractive, available and efficient before withdrawing existing options.”
Consultation on the new standards has been promised this Spring and Rund will continue to bring you updates on the Future Homes Standard 2025 as they are announced.