Building Safety Regulator flags 10 high-rise schemes caught in collapse of building control firm

Why this matters for leaseholders and freeholders

For those involved in residential leasehold property, including freeholders, managing agents and residents:

• Projects stuck at this stage may face delays, potentially increasing costs, interest charges and planning risk.

• If the building control/approval process is interrupted, there may be uncertainty about compliance, risk, and insurance implications specific to HRBs.

• It underscores the importance of due diligence in choosing the right building control and regulatory partners for new build or refurbishment of tall blocks.

• Freeholders/managing agents should monitor if any of their schemes fall within this affected cohort or use this as a prompt to review the status of their high-rise projects under the HRB regime.

• For leaseholders: any delay in approval or completion may impact service charges, remediation responsibilities, timing of occupation and possibly resale values in tall blocks.

What to watch next

• The BSR is still confirming the full number of impacted schemes.

• It is vital for stakeholders in affected buildings to liaise with the regulator or registered building inspectors (RBIs) involved to ensure there is clarity on next steps.

• This event adds pressure to an already challenging approval environment for tall residential schemes under the transitional HRB framework.

• Freeholders and managing agents should review whether their blocks meet the HRB definition and confirm building-control appointment status, risk-management arrangements and insurance cover accordingly.