London overheating in new flats

Experts say UK new homes are not designed for hotter summers, prompting questions about policy and the burden on residents.

London overheating exposes gaps in housing policy

In east London, Leaside Lock shows a growing problem. A tall, south facing block has seen residents complain of heat and a placard reading DO NOT BUY THESE FLATS TOO HOT. The area is part of a dense borough with many flats and little green space, a mix that fuels the urban heat island effect. Regulators have signaled new rules to curb overheating, but the future homes standard currently prioritizes winter warmth and is due to take effect in 2027.

Nearby Three Waters also highlights the struggle. A resident describes temperatures staying above 27C for weeks and a thermometer peaking at 33C. Developers say they have added features like external shutters and improved ventilation, and a council block in Islington shows how heat persists even with new construction. Health data from recent heatwaves is clear: high indoor temperatures raise risk for heart and lung conditions and disrupt sleep.

The story points to a policy gap. Climate change is making overheating a real design problem, not a cost a homeowner should bear. The focus on winter heat has left cooling out of balance, even as tall towers and dense streets trap heat. That misalignment requires faster standards and better building practices.

There is also a fairness issue. Low and middle income residents may bear the cost of adaptations while dealing with noise, dust, and limited access to green space. Public spaces and street trees are a cost-effective fix that planners routinely overlook. The result could be higher health care costs and poorer quality of life unless better cooling is built into every new home by design, not afterthought.

Highlights

As cities grow taller, cooling must become a standard feature of home design