The Building Safety Act | A Turning Point for High-Rise Development

The Building Safety Act marks the biggest shift in high-rise regulation in a generation. It aims to improve safety, raise standards, and rebuild trust, and in doing so it is already transforming how developers, funders, and investors think about tall buildings across the UK.

An important moment for the industry

Planning permission is being granted for an increasing number of high-rise schemes. The choices the sector makes now will influence what our city centres look and feel like for many years. A cautious response may slow projects and stall regeneration. A more confident, forward-thinking approach can do the opposite, helping to unlock opportunities, support delivery, and reassure investors who are looking for certainty.

This is a challenging time, but it is also a rare chance to reset expectations and rethink the way high-rise development is brought forward.

Investor confidence under pressure

Institutional investors, who collectively manage more than £300 billion in UK real estate, are becoming more selective. Some are stepping back from schemes over 18 metres, citing longer delivery programmes and demanding safety obligations that impact projected returns.

There is also a wider backdrop of political uncertainty. Several investors have commented that without quicker action on interest rates, the UK risks losing ground to other markets. Capital is still available, but investment decisions are being made with far more scrutiny and a closer eye on regulatory risk.

Turning compliance into advantage

The Building Safety Act brings new responsibilities, but it also offers an opportunity for those who respond early and with intention. By building compliance into the earliest design conversations and using digital tools to maintain the golden thread of information, developers can reduce uncertainty and keep programmes moving.

Constructive relationships with the Building Safety Regulator, a willingness to adopt modern construction methods, and stronger collaboration across the supply chain all help to create smoother pathways through the process. Developers who take this approach are finding that it builds trust and improves the confidence of funders from the outset.

How we can help

We work closely with developers who want to turn regulatory change into meaningful progress. Integrating safety, transparency, and early engagement into a project’s foundation gives our clients the certainty they need to manage the new requirements. We also support those looking to diversify their portfolios, whether through mid-rise schemes or alternative asset classes, to help manage exposure and maintain steady growth.

In a landscape shaped by the Building Safety Act, preparation is key. Clear processes, good communication, and the right digital tools give projects momentum and keep confidence high. With a focused approach, this period of change becomes an opportunity to deliver safer and more resilient high-rise schemes. If you would like support in shaping your strategy, our residential development team is ready to help.