As commercial properties tend to be more complex in almost every aspect, stricter building regulations are being enforced consistently. Incidents such as Grenfell in 2017 have accelerated the progression of building safety regulations to ensure the likes of which don’t occur again. In 2023, the Building Safety Act was introduced and put into force, transforming the commercial property market for future years to come. The following years saw regular updates for the newly introduced act, easing organisations towards a new and safer era within the property sector. 

Autumn 2025 will see the release of the most recent update for the Building Safety Act which is why it’s important to underline the regulations so that commercial property developers are prepared.

How Does the Building Safety Act 2025 Affect Commercial Architecture?

Here at DSA, we thought we’d list a few of the new Building Safety Act guidelines that must be adhered to this coming Autumn: 

Arranging insurance reforms: Leaseholders will be protected from being charged beyond the ‘permitted insurance fee’ by property managers, landlords and freeholders. More information on this can be located below section 59 of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act. 

Ownership disclosure: Companies and legal activities will be required to disclose identification (name, age, location etc) via the likes of Companies House. Being able to identify the responsible party for property ownership will allow for more efficient results when a property issue arises. 

Acceleration for develop-led remediation: Brought forward in December 2024, the Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP) exists to quicken the process for develop-led remediation. This ensures that all unsafe buildings, especially ones with dangerous cladding within the UK will be highlighted for inspections and checks.

Commercial Building by Pawel.Gaul.

Rising building registration checks: Tighter regulations were introduced for buildings between 11m and 18m high meaning they must be registered for regular assessments. 

Increased support for leaseholders: It’s not uncommon for a property owner to pass away without an heir or will. This law will enable leaseholders during this period to apply for cladding remediation funds and manage the building accordingly. Regulators will also be notified if a landlord goes into escheat or becomes insolvent. 

Enforcement of remediation: Construction Product Manufacturers must be aware that the government are prepared to take action with a new Construction Products Standard in response to the Grenfell Final Report. Local authorities will also receive more enforcement and funding concerning this. 

Voluntary joint plan: Developers and the government have recently collaborated on a voluntary joint plan to entice property developers to increase targets relating to the remediation of buildings that they’re responsible for. The end of January 2025 saw 39 developers agree to the plan with more looking to join shortly. 

Buildings with high risk: Phase 2 of the Grenfell Report highlighted that higher-risk properties should be assessed as soon as possible. The use of a property and its vulnerability to individuals will be how this regulation will prioritise certain properties first. 

By following the legislation above you can ensure your property abides by new government regulations. Property safety is a top priority within the UK so don’t get caught out!

Implications For Building Safety Act 2025 Misuse

Failure to comply with the Building Safety Act 2025 will result in hefty fines. Potential imprisonment on account of manslaughter could also arise if a life is lost within the property for reasons such as smoke and fire. Furthermore, Building Managers can receive up to 18 years in jail if this is the case, exacerbating the need to follow the safety act rigorously. 

Click here for more information on anything related to the Building Safety Act.And for further guidance don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team!