1 October 2026
Building Safety Levy 2026
Guidance on applicability, development thresholds, levy calculations, exemptions, previously developed land and the implications for Building Control applications.
Read the full guide →
One Stop Consult • Developer Resources
Developer Knowledge Centre
Practical, plain-English guidance on Building Regulations, construction legislation and the regulatory changes affecting developers across England.
Construction Regulation Guidance
Know What Is Changing Before It Affects Your Project
Building Regulations and development requirements continue to change. Our Knowledge Centre is designed to help developers understand upcoming deadlines, transitional arrangements, compliance requirements and the practical steps needed to keep projects moving.
Important 2026 Update
Building Safety Levy
The Building Safety Levy introduces a new charge on certain residential developments in England. Developers should establish whether a project falls within scope and understand the potential financial and programme implications before progressing through Building Control.
- Understand whether your development may be affected
- Review dwelling and PBSA thresholds
- Understand chargeable residential floorspace
- Review previously developed land provisions
- Consider application timing and Building Control strategy
Implementation Date
1 October 2026
The Levy applies under the published implementation arrangements to relevant new Building Control applications from this date.
The position can depend on the development, planning permission, application date, proposed use and other project-specific factors.
Regulatory Updates
Key Changes Developers Need to Know About
Our main regulatory guides explain what is changing, when the changes take effect, who may be affected and what developers should consider now.
From March 2027
Future Homes Standard 2027
Understand the forthcoming changes affecting new homes, including energy performance, heating, renewable energy, ventilation and transitional arrangements.
Read the full guide →Building Regulations
Commencement & Transitional Protection
What actually counts as commencement under Building Regulations? Learn why foundations alone may not protect a new dwelling and how building-specific transitional arrangements work.
Read the commencement guide →
Building Safety Levy
What Developers Should Be Looking At Now
The Building Safety Levy is one of the most immediate regulatory changes for residential developers. Early review can help identify potential cost and programme implications before key decisions are fixed.
Major development threshold:
The published framework uses the underlying planning permission
or planning application when considering whether the major
development threshold is met. Relevant thresholds include at
least 10 new dwellings or 30 purpose-built student accommodation
bedspaces.
How is the Levy calculated?
The charge is based on chargeable residential floorspace together with the applicable rate for the relevant local authority area.
Previously Developed Land
Qualifying previously developed sites can receive a reduced rate, subject to the detailed eligibility requirements.
What about applications before October?
Under the published implementation arrangements, applications submitted before 1 October 2026 are outside the Levy. Care is required where an application is rejected and subsequently resubmitted.
Completion & Final Certification
The Levy payment or no-charge position will need to be resolved before the relevant completion or final certification process can be concluded.
Developer Guidance
Guidance Through Every Stage of Development
Regulations rarely affect only one service. Our Knowledge Centre brings together the questions developers face throughout the development lifecycle.
01
Site Acquisition
Planning, flood risk, contamination, ecology, BNG, utilities and development due diligence.
02
Design
Building Control, structural design, SAP/SBEM, Part O, Part G, Part R and fire requirements.
03
Pre-Start
Building Control applications, warranties, commencement requirements and project information.
04
Construction
Inspections, design changes, evidence records, fire stopping, ventilation and coordination.
05
Completion
Air, sound and ventilation testing, EPCs, commissioning and completion certification.
Developer FAQs
Questions Developers Are Asking
Straightforward answers to common regulatory and compliance questions affecting residential and commercial projects.
Does the Building Safety Levy apply below 10 dwellings?
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How much is the Building Safety Levy in my area?
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Does the Building Safety Levy apply to conversions?
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Are foundations enough to commence a new dwelling?
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Can new-build homes still use gas boilers after 2027?
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Will new-build homes require solar panels?
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Is my development exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain?
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What documents will Building Control need at completion?
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One Stop Consult
Approaching a Regulatory Deadline?
Regulatory changes can affect design, programme, Building Control strategy and development cost. The earlier the position is reviewed, the more options a developer normally has available.
Discuss Your Project- Review planning and Building Control status
- Identify relevant regulatory dates and deadlines
- Review individual plots or blocks on larger developments
- Coordinate Building Control and design services
- Arrange SAP, SBEM, Part O and supporting assessments
- Coordinate testing and completion documentation
- Maintain project information through one point of contact
Developer Knowledge Centre ·
Guidance reviewed August 2026.
Regulatory requirements can vary by project and should be
confirmed against current legislation and official guidance.