On Tuesday, 8 March 2016 08:29:59 UTC, News wrote:
Doubtless you will receive plenty of conflicting advice, but, given that
you have gas, I would go for a traditional gas boiler and showers fed
via a large hot water cylinder with immersion heater for emergencies.

Yes.

However, as combis are often cheaper than corresponding non-combi versions, you could use the combi hot water for one shower, or the kitchen tap, which will give you instant hot water in that location without waiting for the cylinder to heat.

If you're only going to be in the house for 5 years then you might consider whether the additional cost of an unvented hot water cylinder is really necessary. Put the electric shower in the attic, and you may find you have enough head from an attic tank to give adequate showers on the ground and first floors without needing pumps - they'll be low pressure but you can get good flow.

For zoning, consider putting the bathroom towel rails on one zone so you can have them on in summer for drying towels without heating the rest of the house.

Owain