Home Energy Model News & Updates
Regular roundups covering the Home Energy Model, Future Homes Standard, EPC reform, and wider UK building regulation changes. Written for SAP assessors, architects, developers, builders, and homeowners.
· 1 story
FHS Published: What Actually Changed
Analysis of what changed between the 2023 FHS consultation and the final published standard. Solar PV mandatory, SAP 10.3 as bridging methodology, shorter transitional periods, and 10 key surprises from the final Approved Documents.
· 5 stories
Future Homes Standard Published: Solar PV Mandatory, Gas Boilers Out
The government publishes the final Approved Documents for the Future Homes Standard. Solar PV mandatory on all new homes, gas boilers effectively banned, in force 24 March 2027. SAP 10.3 sole methodology at launch, old transitional provisions revoked.
· 6 stories
Plug-in Solar, Easier Heat Pumps, and the FHS Push
The UK legalises plug-in solar panels, relaxes heat pump planning rules, expands the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to air-to-air systems, and confirms the Future Homes Standard goes mandatory in December. Six stories shaping the shift to cleaner homes.
· 1 story
EPC Reform Pushed Back to Late 2027: What It Means
The government delays reformed HEM-based EPCs from October 2026 to the second half of 2027. MEES 2030 stays, landlords face a shrinking compliance window, and assessors get more time before HEM retraining becomes urgent.
· 6 stories
EPC Reform: Heritage Exemptions Removed and Short-Term Lets Brought in Scope
Listed buildings lose their automatic EPC exemption for the first time. Short-term lets must now have a valid EPC regardless of who pays energy bills. How HEM’s modular approach may help, and why heritage bodies say the tools aren’t ready.
· 6 stories
UK Heat Pump Sales Hit Record, But the Gap to 450,000 Is Growing
HPA confirms 125,037 heat pumps sold in 2025, but growth has slowed. BUS expands to air-to-air, CHMM Year 2 sets 8% target, and HEM’s heat pump modelling explained.
· 6 stories
EPC C by 2030 Confirmed: What the New MEES Rules Mean for Every Landlord
The government confirms all private rented homes must reach EPC C by October 2030. New dual-metric compliance model, £10,000 cost cap, heritage exemption removed, and how HEM changes your rating.
· 6 stories
FHS Confirmed: SAP 10.3 Will Be the Only Compliance Route at Launch
The government confirms SAP 10.3 as the sole FHS compliance methodology at launch. HEM follows 3+ months later, with a 24-month dual running period. BRE-approved software ready.
· 6 stories
HEM EPC Consultation: What It Proposes and How to Respond
Deep dive into the HEM EPC consultation closing 18 March 2026. Modular inputs, four metrics, CIBSE and RIBA reactions, landlord dual metric rule, heat pump records, and how to respond.
· 7 stories
HEM & Future Homes Standard News: February 2026
Warm Homes Plan launches with £15bn investment, HEM EPC consultation opens for existing dwellings, four new EPC metrics confirmed, and NHBC prepares the workforce for FHS.
Timeline & Status
Live tracker of HEM, FHS, and EPC reform milestones.
EPCs & HEM
How Energy Performance Certificates are changing under HEM.
Resources
Official documents, consultations, and tools.
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