The building safety landscape in the UK has undergone significant transformation since the Grenfell tragedy of 2017. The changes have picked up pace, culminating in 2024, when the new building safety regime took a concrete shape. This article reviews key developments in building safety over 2024 and explores what we can expect in 2025. As the construction industry adapts to the new regulatory environment, the path forward requires vigilance, collaboration, and proactive engagement from all stakeholders.

Key Developments in 2024

 1. The Legal Framework Solidifies

The year 2024 marked the end of a complex transition period for the building safety regime. Following a series of legislative publications in 2023, the new legal framework was fully implemented in April 2024. The provisions include new rules for dutyholders and changes specific to higher-risk buildings, such as the golden thread, mandatory occurrence reporting, and gateway requirements.

While the new framework is now in place, the construction industry will need time to fully adapt. Lenders and other peripheral stakeholders, in particular, are working to understand how these changes impact them. The scope of responsibilities under the new regulations is broad, and full compliance will require coordination among builders, owners, and other parties involved.

 2. Conclusion of the Grenfell Inquiry

In September 2024, the final report of the Grenfell Inquiry was published. Spanning approximately 1,700 pages, the report contained 58 recommendations aimed at transforming safety practices across the construction industry. While the government’s response is expected in early 2025, the impact of these recommendations will likely be felt across every level of the construction sector, from policy changes to on-site practices. These findings have reiterated the importance of accountability and safety culture, with the onus on stakeholders to implement changes that prioritise the well-being of building occupants.

 3. Increase in Disputes and Decisions

The legal environment around building safety has become increasingly litigious. In 2024, there was a notable rise in disputes regarding remediation works and other safety-related matters. Several cases are making their way through the First-tier Tribunal and the Technology and Construction Court, addressing issues such as the definition of an Accountable Person and determining whether a building qualifies as higher-risk.

Additionally, more remediation orders were sought this year, with recent updates to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 clarifying the application of remediation orders to buildings over 11 metres. This includes costs related to obtaining expert reports, alternative accommodations for residents, and the remediation itself.

 4. Focus on Occupied Buildings

In 2024, there was growing recognition of the need to focus not just on new buildings but also on occupied higher-risk buildings. This shift involved identifying the Accountable Persons for existing properties, understanding the requirements for maintaining the golden thread for these buildings, and complying with orders from the Building Safety Regulator to apply for building assessment certificates.

Stakeholders in sales and refinancing also had to navigate new questions regarding liabilities and extended risks tied to building safety. This evolving awareness underlined that building safety is not limited to new constructions; it encompasses all high-risk properties, regardless of their age or occupancy status.

What to Expect in 2025

 1. A New Government Agenda for Safety

With a new Labour government in power, building safety remains a high priority. In August 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasised that the government “will expect more from regulators and partners to make sure action is being taken now to make homes safe, speed up remediation and ensure that buildings in the process of being remediated are managed safely for residents.”

The 2024 autumn budget announced that government investment in remediation would increase to over £1 billion for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This signals an intensified push to complete remediation projects, particularly given the number of buildings that remain unsafe. Developers may face increased pressure to meet these targets, and the introduction of a building safety levy—a topic of prior consultation—may come to fruition, adding further financial obligations on new residential projects.

 2. More Disputes and Legal Actions

As more buildings undergo remediation, we can anticipate a rise in legal disputes related to building safety. Claims under the Defective Premises Act, remediation orders, and building liability orders are expected to increase. Stakeholders will need to be prepared for greater scrutiny and potential liability, especially as the new legal framework becomes more established and more cases set precedents that shape future responsibilities.

 3. The Introduction of Second Staircase Requirements

While regulations requiring second staircases in all new buildings over 18 metres will not formally take effect until September 2026, forward-thinking developers are likely to start integrating these features into their projects ahead of time. By doing so, they will not only comply with upcoming standards but also add long-term value to their buildings, anticipating regulatory and market expectations.

 4. Regional Variations and Broader Changes

It is important to remember that building safety regulations vary across the UK. While this article has largely focused on England, other regions are also making changes:

– Scotland has historically been ahead in building safety but continues to evolve. The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024 came into force, and there has been a recent consultation on introducing a Scottish building safety levy.

– In Wales, the Building Safety (Wales) Bill is scheduled for introduction in 2025, marking a continued focus on improving building safety standards in the region.

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A Complex Road Ahead

As we enter 2025, it is clear that building safety remains a complex, multifaceted issue. The final report from the Grenfell Inquiry will continue to shape reforms, and stakeholders across the construction sector must stay proactive in meeting new safety standards and implementing best practices. The increasing focus on occupied buildings, the anticipated rise in legal disputes, and the potential introduction of a new safety levy all point to a challenging yet necessary evolution for the industry.

The path forward requires collaboration across all levels—from developers and regulators to lenders and property owners. The changes being implemented are aimed at ensuring tragedies like Grenfell are not repeated, but achieving this requires continuous vigilance, a willingness to adapt, and the dedication to put safety above all else.

Angela Rayner encapsulated the need for urgency: “This government will expect more from regulators and partners to make sure action is being taken now to make homes safe.” With these words in mind, the construction industry must prepare for a transformative year ahead—one where safety, accountability, and proactive measures become the core of every building project, new or old.