- Building Regulations in England were amended so that new build homes must be provided with gigabit-ready infrastructure from December 2022.
- Where it can be done within a cost cap, developers must also provide a gigabit-capable connection.
- Gigabit-ready infrastructure means the physical ducting and cabling to support a gigabit connection.
- Openreach and other networks work with developers to bring full fibre to new developments.
- Buyers should still check what broadband is actually available and connected at a new build.
Building Regulations require new build homes in England to have gigabit-ready infrastructure from December 2022, and a gigabit-capable connection where it can be done within a cost cap. Buyers should still check availability.
Last reviewed: June 2026
New builds and broadband
Broadband is an essential consideration when buying or moving into a new build home, and the rules around what developers must provide have strengthened. Recognising that connectivity is now as important as other utilities, Building Regulations in England were amended to require new build homes to be equipped for fast broadband. This means buyers of new builds should expect provision for gigabit-capable connectivity, though it remains worth checking exactly what is available and connected at a specific property. Understanding the requirements on developers, and what they mean in practice, helps buyers know what to expect and what to confirm.
The requirements concern both the physical infrastructure that supports a connection and, within limits, the provision of a connection itself. Knowing the distinction helps buyers understand what is guaranteed and what to verify.
The Building Regulations requirement
Building Regulations in England were amended so that, from December 2022, new build homes must be provided with gigabit-ready physical infrastructure, and, where it can be done within a specified cost cap, a gigabit-capable connection. Gigabit-ready infrastructure means the physical ducting and in-building cabling needed to support a gigabit connection, so that a network can be connected readily. The requirement to provide a connection itself applies where doing so falls within the cost cap. This means new builds should at minimum be ready for gigabit connectivity, and in many cases have a gigabit-capable connection provided.
| Element | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gigabit-ready infrastructure | Required for new builds | Ducting and cabling in place |
| Gigabit-capable connection | Where within the cost cap | A live connection provided |
| Cost cap exception | Best connection within the cap | For costly-to-reach developments |
| Buyer check | Confirm actual availability | Verify what can be ordered |
What gigabit-ready means
Gigabit-ready infrastructure refers to the physical provision, such as ducting and cabling within the property and to the point where a network connects, that enables a gigabit-capable connection to be installed. It does not by itself mean a live connection is present, but that the home is built so that one can be provided without major additional work. This distinction matters: a gigabit-ready home is prepared for fast broadband, but a buyer should confirm whether a connection has actually been provided and is available to order. The requirement ensures new builds are not left without the means to get fast broadband, which had been a problem with some older developments.
The cost cap on connections
The requirement to provide a gigabit-capable connection, as opposed to just the infrastructure, applies where the cost of doing so falls within a specified cap. Where connecting a new build to a gigabit-capable network would exceed that cap, the obligation is to provide the gigabit-ready infrastructure and the best connection that can be provided within the cap. This reflects the reality that connecting some developments, particularly in harder-to-reach areas, can be more expensive. For most new builds, especially in areas with network coverage, a gigabit-capable connection is likely, while the cost cap addresses exceptional cases where it would be very costly.
How developers and networks work together
To meet the requirements and provide connectivity, developers work with network operators such as Openreach and other providers to bring full fibre to new developments. Openreach and other networks have programmes for connecting new builds, often installing full fibre as part of the development. This co-operation means many new builds are connected to full fibre from the outset, giving buyers access to gigabit-capable broadband. The arrangements vary by development and network, but the general effect is that new builds are increasingly likely to have full fibre available, reflecting both the regulations and the networks' focus on connecting new homes.
What this means for buyers
For buyers, the requirements mean a new build home should at least be gigabit-ready, and in many cases have a gigabit-capable connection available. This is a significant improvement on the past, when some new builds were left poorly connected. However, the requirements do not remove the need to check: a buyer should confirm what broadband is actually available and connected at the specific property, which provider serves it, and what speeds are offered. While the regulations provide a strong baseline, verifying the actual connectivity ensures the buyer knows what they are getting rather than assuming.
What to check before buying
Before buying a new build, several checks help confirm the broadband situation. Asking the developer what broadband infrastructure and connection have been provided, and which network serves the development, clarifies the position. Carrying out an availability check for the address, where possible, shows what can be ordered. Confirming whether a gigabit-capable connection is available, or only the gigabit-ready infrastructure, indicates whether fast broadband can be taken immediately or whether a connection still needs to be arranged. These checks ensure the buyer has accurate information about the connectivity of the specific property rather than relying on general expectations.
If the developer did not provide full fibre
Occasionally, a new build may not have a gigabit-capable connection provided, for example where the cost cap applied or in particular circumstances. In such cases, the gigabit-ready infrastructure should still be present, meaning a connection can be installed when a network is available, and the usual options for getting connected apply, including checking which networks serve the area and considering alternatives where fixed options are limited. Where a buyer finds the connectivity falls short of expectations, raising it with the developer, and checking the available options, helps. The gigabit-ready infrastructure requirement at least ensures the home is prepared for a future connection.
Getting connected in a new build
In summary, Building Regulations require new build homes in England to be provided with gigabit-ready infrastructure from December 2022, and a gigabit-capable connection where it can be done within a cost cap. This means new builds should at least be ready for fast broadband, and many have full fibre connected from the outset through developers working with networks. Buyers should still check what is actually available and connected at the specific property. Understanding the requirements, and verifying the real situation, ensures buyers get the connectivity they expect in a new build home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are new build homes required to have full fibre broadband?
Building Regulations in England require new build homes, from December 2022, to be provided with gigabit-ready infrastructure, and a gigabit-capable connection where it can be done within a cost cap. This means new builds should at least be ready for gigabit connectivity, often delivered as full fibre, and in many cases have a gigabit-capable connection provided from the outset.
What happened to FTTP in new builds from December 2022?
From December 2022, amended Building Regulations required new build homes in England to be provided with gigabit-ready physical infrastructure, and a gigabit-capable connection where it falls within a specified cost cap. This strengthened the position so that new builds are equipped for fast broadband, addressing the problem of some older developments being poorly connected.
What should I check about broadband when buying a new build?
Ask the developer what broadband infrastructure and connection have been provided and which network serves the development, carry out an availability check for the address where possible, and confirm whether a gigabit-capable connection is available or only the gigabit-ready infrastructure. These checks confirm what can actually be ordered at the specific property rather than relying on general expectations.
Who installs broadband in a new build?
Developers work with network operators such as Openreach and other providers to bring connectivity to new developments, often installing full fibre as part of the build. Openreach and other networks have programmes for connecting new builds, so many are connected from the outset, with the specific arrangements varying by development and network.
What if my new build developer did not install FTTP?
Where a gigabit-capable connection was not provided, for example where the cost cap applied, the gigabit-ready infrastructure should still be present, so a connection can be installed when a network is available. The usual options for getting connected apply, and raising the matter with the developer and checking the available networks helps secure a connection.
What is the difference between gigabit-ready and gigabit-connected?
Gigabit-ready means the physical infrastructure, such as ducting and cabling, is in place so a gigabit connection can be installed, but it does not by itself mean a live connection is present. Gigabit-connected means a gigabit-capable connection has actually been provided and can be ordered. A buyer should confirm which applies at the specific property.
