As the UK moves closer to implementing the Future Homes Standard, more developers are switching to heat pumps in newly built homes. These systems offer a cleaner alternative to traditional gas boilers and align with the government’s push toward low-carbon heating. According to a new report from Ambient, the share of new homes using heat pumps has grown significantly—from 7% in January 2023 to 21% in January 2025.
What’s Driving the Shift? 📈
The surge in heat pump installations is closely linked to changes in the Building Regulations, particularly Part L 2021. These updated standards require higher levels of energy efficiency in new builds. To meet them, many developers are choosing between installing a gas boiler paired with solar PV or switching entirely to electric heat pumps. In areas that are off the gas grid, heat pumps are often the only practical solution that complies with the new rules. This trend shows that builders are already adapting their practices ahead of future regulatory changes.
Why It Matters ♻️
The shift to heat pumps isn’t just about regulations—it’s a critical step toward meeting national climate goals. The UK has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and heating systems play a major role in this. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has set a clear target: 50% of UK homes should use heat pumps by 2040. However, reaching that goal will require a massive increase in installations—from 60,000 units per year in 2023 to 450,000 annually by 2030. The rise in uptake in new builds is promising, but it’s only the beginning of a much larger transition.
Challenges Still Remain ⚠️
Despite this progress, the majority of new homes are still using gas boilers as their primary heating source. The current growth, while encouraging, is not yet enough to meet long-term climate targets. There’s also a disconnect in how we measure energy efficiency. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are still based on running costs, rather than carbon emissions. As a result, homes with heat pumps—despite being better for the environment—can sometimes receive lower EPC ratings than homes heated by gas. This highlights the need to reform how sustainability is measured in housing assessments.
Summary 🧾
The increased use of heat pumps in new build homes signals a positive shift towards low-carbon heating, driven by stricter energy regulations and the upcoming Future Homes Standard. While uptake has tripled in just two years, challenges remain. Gas still dominates, and current EPC metrics don’t align with environmental goals. For the UK to meet its net-zero targets, heat pump adoption must continue to accelerate—and the policies surrounding housing sustainability must evolve alongside it.
Related Links
https://www.projectambient.org/data
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AAL Property Solutions 🌲
05/20/2025