Building Safety Levy – what you need to know
We want to let you know about the Building Safety Levy. The government published draft rules on 10 July 2025. If Parliament approves them, the levy will start on 1 October 2026.
What is the Building Safety Levy?
The levy is a charge on most new residential developments in England. It helps fund building safety work.
When does it apply?
From 1 October 2026, the levy will apply to all residential developments unless they are exempt.
You can read the full rules in the Building Safety Levy Regulations and the government’s Building Safety Levy guidance.
Key points
- The levy is linked to building control applications and notices
- Applications for full plans, initial notices or higher-risk building work must include levy details. If not, we may have to reject the application
- We will need more information for calculating the levy at the commencement notice stage
- We will collect the levy. Rates vary by council and by whether the land is previously developed. See the levy rates table
- Some developments are exempt, including affordable housing, supported housing and homes built by non-profit registered providers
- The levy must be paid before the building is occupied or completed
- If a developer disagrees with the charge, they can ask us for a review within 28 days. If they still disagree, they can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal
- If the levy is not paid, we will not issue a completion certificate or will reject the final certificate