Building Safety Levy
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The Building Safety Levy helps fund work to fix building safety defects in residential buildings. It is part of the Government's plan to make sure the development industry contributes towards these costs, helping to protect both leaseholders and taxpayers.
Money raised through the levy will be used to support building safety improvements and make affected homes safer for residents.
When does it start?
The Building Safety Levy applies to relevant building control applications and initial notices submitted from 1 October 2026 for new residential developments in England, unless an exemption applies.
Which developments are affected?
The levy applies to developments that provide:
- One or more new homes, or
- Bedspaces in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
The following application types must include levy information:
- Full plans applications
- Initial notices
- Higher-Risk Building (HRB) applications
If the required levy information is not provided, the application or notice may be rejected.
What information must developers provide?
Developers must include levy information when submitting a building control application or initial notice.
Provide further levy information and supporting evidence at the commencement notice stage.
This information allows the local authority to calculate the levy charge.
How is the levy calculated?
The levy is based on the amount of residential floorspace being created.
The amount payable depends on:
- The local authority area where the development is located
- Whether the development is on previously developed (brownfield) land
Developments on brownfield land receive a 50% discount on the levy rate.
Who collects the levy?
Local authorities with building control responsibilities are responsible for calculating and collecting the levy.
Payment must be made before the earlier of:
- The building being occupied, or
- The development being completed
What developments are exempt?
You will not have to pay the levy for:
- Affordable housing
- Supported housing
- Homes built by non-profit registered providers and their wholly owned subsidiaries
- Small developments with fewer than 10 homes
Some other development types are also exempt. Full details are available in the Government regulations.
What if I disagree with the levy charge?
If you believe the levy has been calculated incorrectly, or you disagree with a refund decision, you can:
Ask the collecting authority to review the decision within 28 days.
Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal if you remain dissatisfied after the review.
What happens if the levy is not paid?
Building control authorities can withhold important certification until the levy has been paid in full. This may include:
A completion certificate, or
- A final certificate
- Further guidance
For detailed information about levy rates, exemptions, calculations and the appeals process, see the Government's Building Safety Levy guidance and regulations.
Further information
For full guidance, regulations and levy rates, visit:
- The Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025, and The Building Safety Levy (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026 - The Building Safety Levy (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026
- Building Safety Levy: Guidance - Guidance - GOV.UK - (Guidance, with methodology note, process maps and proformas)
- Building Safety Levy rates and calculations (Section 2)