The Building Safety Levy - Key Information for Developers
The Building Safety Levy is a new charge on certain residential developments in England. It is designed to help fund the remediation of building safety defects and protect leaseholders from costs.
When does the Levy apply?
The levy will apply to relevant building control applications made on or after 1 October 2026. Applications submitted before this date are not affected.
Who must pay the Levy?
Residential property developers will pay the levy on:
-
New residential dwellings - developments of 10 or more dwellings
-
Purpose-built student accommodation - schemes with 30 or more new bedspaces.
Exemptions
Some types of development are exempt from the Levy, including:
-
Affordable housing
-
Supported housing
-
Housing by non-profit registered providers.
(Developers should refer to the full government guidance for the complete list of exemptions).
How is the Levy calculated?
The levy is charged per square metre of chargeable floorspace and the rate varies depending on:
-
The local authority area
-
Whether the land is previously developed (brownfield) or non-previously developed (greenfield).
|
Levy rates in our Area by Local Authority |
Previously Developed Land Levy rate (£/m2) |
Non-Previously Developed Land Levy rate (£/m2) |
|---|---|---|
|
Cambridge |
25.44 |
50.87 |
|
Huntingdonshire |
14.56 |
29.12 |
|
South Cambridgeshire |
18.98 |
37.95 |
Payment
Payment must be made prior to the earlier of occupation and completion stage. Developers must pay the Levy to the local authority acting as the collection authority, which is the authority where the proposed development is located.
Enforcement
Failure to pay the levy will mean the building control authority will withhold the completion certificate or reject the final certificate.
Official Government Guidance - Full Government Guidance on Building Safety Levy.