Developers will be barred from fitting gas boilers in new homes under strengthened regulations expected to be implemented from 2027.
Under the government’s so-called Future Homes Standard, builders will instead have to fit electric heat pumps or non-gas alternatives as part of wider efforts to cut emissions.
Legislation is set to be introduced as early as next May before fully coming into effect in 2027, according to Financial Times-cited sources.
“We remain committed to delivering highly efficient new homes that will become net zero as the grid decarbonises,” the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said.
“All options set out in the future homes standard consultation would result in significant emissions reductions compared to previous standards.”
Such rules will aim to slash emissions from new homes by up to 80%, though solar panels are not in line to be mandated by the government under the move.
One government aide signalled the gas boiler ban would also be coupled with exemptions, according to the Financial Times.
Home Builders Federation executive director Steve Turner warned the supply chain for heat pumps would require a “significant scale-up” to meet demand.
“At the minute, we’re only installing about 35,000 a year,” he said, highlighting 300,000 would be needed annually to meet government house-building targets.