Is the Home Energy Model live yet? Which methodology applies?

No. As at the verification date of this article (13 July 2026), the Home Energy Model is not live, and SAP 10.3 is the only approved compliance methodology — including for work under the Future Homes Standard when it takes effect.

The position, dated

• The FHS consultation had proposed HEM as the compliance methodology; the final decision (March 2026) launched the FHS on SAP 10.3 alone.
• HEM is to be approved no earlier than three months after the March 2026 response — and on 8 June 2026 its launch was delayed again, to "the coming months".
• When HEM is approved, a dual-running period of at least 24 months follows. SAP 10.3 carries a minimum 24-month lifetime, with at least six months' notice before it can no longer be used for new building-control plans.

What this means for you

• Builders: nothing changes about your evidence duty. The BREL report is produced by approved SAP software today (HEM software once live), and the geotagged photographic evidence feeding it is required either way — see the current requirement.
• Assessors: your scheme and software will tell you when HEM assessment becomes available; nothing about how Buildsnapper reports reach you depends on the methodology.

Because this is a moving regulatory picture, this article carries a verified date and is re-checked periodically. If you are reading it long after 13 July 2026 and the HEM position matters to a live decision, confirm the current state with your accreditation scheme.

Verified against primary sources 13 July 2026.