BLOGS

A new pace for building safety

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR), established under the Building Safety Act 2022, has signalled a shift in operational approach as it seeks to accelerate the remediation of higher-risk residential buildings across England. Following criticism of processing delays that have left thousands of leaseholders in limbo and stalled development pipelines, the regulator has committed to streamlining its application procedures and reducing decision timescales.

For the residential property sector, this represents a potentially significant turning point. Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, building safety concerns have cast a long shadow over parts of the housing market—particularly affecting high-rise flats and buildings over 11 metres in height. REalyse data shows that properties in buildings with unresolved safety issues have consistently underperformed the wider market, with affected units often proving difficult to mortgage or sell.

The scale of the remediation challenge

The government's remediation programme encompasses thousands of buildings requiring fire safety works, from cladding replacement to compartmentation repairs. According to official statistics, hundreds of high-rise buildings with the most dangerous ACM cladding still await full remediation, while thousands more medium-rise buildings are progressing through various funding and approval stages.

The BSR's gateway approval process—which governs major refurbishment works on higher-risk buildings—has faced criticism for lengthy processing times. Industry bodies have reported that some applications have taken considerably longer than the statutory timeframes, creating uncertainty for building owners, managing agents, and residents alike.

REalyse planning and development data indicates that remediation timelines have had knock-on effects for the broader development pipeline. In areas with significant concentrations of affected buildings, developers have faced additional scrutiny and compliance requirements that have extended project timescales. The regulatory bottleneck has also complicated refinancing decisions for lenders with exposure to higher-risk building portfolios.

Operational reforms and their market implications

The BSR's operational improvements focus on several key areas: enhanced pre-application guidance, clearer documentation requirements, dedicated case management for complex applications, and improved communication with applicants throughout the assessment process. The regulator has also committed to recruiting additional technical specialists to address capacity constraints.

For investors and developers, these reforms carry tangible implications. Faster remediation approvals could help unlock properties that have been effectively frozen in the market. REalyse market intelligence suggests that buildings with completed safety certifications—evidenced by a valid Building Assurance Certificate—command stronger valuations and attract broader buyer interest than those still awaiting remediation.

Lenders, too, stand to benefit from greater regulatory clarity. The mortgage market has remained cautious around buildings with outstanding safety concerns, with many lenders requiring EWS1 forms or equivalent documentation before approving loans. A more efficient approvals process should help restore confidence and lending appetite in this segment of the market.

What this means for the residential sector

The BSR's shift toward operational efficiency reflects broader government pressure to resolve the building safety crisis that has affected hundreds of thousands of leaseholders. While the remediation funding landscape remains complex—with ongoing debates about developer contributions, freeholder responsibilities, and government support schemes—faster regulatory approvals represent a practical step toward resolution.

For property professionals using platforms like REalyse, tracking building safety status and remediation progress has become an essential part of due diligence. Understanding which buildings have cleared regulatory hurdles, which are in the approval pipeline, and which face outstanding issues can materially affect investment decisions, valuations, and lending assessments.

As the BSR continues to refine its operations, the sector will be watching closely. A sustained improvement in processing times could help restore liquidity to parts of the market that have remained subdued since 2017. For now, the direction of travel appears positive—though the true test will be whether these operational reforms translate into measurably faster outcomes for buildings and their residents.