Insight 2026-07-09
Insight
Decent Homes: raising the bar on quality, trust and sustainability
In a recent article for The MJ, Jake Fellows, Regional Managing Director, at Equans UK & Ireland, discusses how the updated Decent Homes Standard could help raise the bar for housing quality across the UK.
Moving beyond tick-box compliance, the new approach focuses on the outcomes that matter most to residents - safe, warm, and sustainable homes that are fit for the future.
Jake explores how landlords can combine repairs with retrofit measures and renewable technologies to improve living standards, tackle fuel poverty, and create lasting value for communities.
What is Decent Homes 2.0?
The updated Decent Homes Standard, often referred to as Decent Homes 2.0, is expected to build on the original Decent Homes programme by placing greater emphasis on resident outcomes, including safety, thermal comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability.
While detailed implementation guidance continues to emerge, the direction of travel is clear: housing providers are increasingly expected to consider how homes perform for residents, not simply whether they meet minimum standards.
For landlords, this creates an opportunity to align planned maintenance programmes with retrofit and decarbonisation initiatives, helping deliver warmer, healthier and more sustainable homes.
Why the new Decent Homes Standard matters
This year marks a pivotal moment for the social housing sector, with the arrival of Decent Homes 2.0. While detailed guidance on the new Decent Homes Standard (DHS) is still forthcoming, one message is already clear – sustainability is at the heart of this transformation.
The requirement for thermal comfort remains fundamental within the DHS, but today’s context, marked by ambitious government Net Zero targets and soaring energy prices, elevates the challenge. The significant investment flowing into Decent Homes presents a unique opportunity to combine essential upgrades with retrofit works – driving down carbon emissions while delivering warm, energy-efficient, and affordable homes for social housing residents.
Our company’s experience dates back 17 years, having been a leading contractor on the original Decent Homes programme. That journey has given us invaluable insight into navigating the challenges of upgrading diverse housing stock across communities.
Combining maintenance, retrofit and renewable technologies
Decent Homes 2.0 is more than superficial enhancements. It demands specialist expertise in retrofitting older properties alongside integrating cutting-edge sustainability technologies. Coordinating these works simultaneously streamlines delivery, reduces disruption for residents, and maximises value for landlords.
Future-proofing social housing stock
Ultimately, Decent Homes 2.0 embodies a powerful convergence of energy transition and social equity. By partnering with specialist contractors who bring proven skills and knowledge, landlords can ensure that social housing is not just fit for purpose today but resilient, low-carbon, and future-proofed for generations to come.
This article originally featured in The MJ.
