Cladding remediation backlog rises 12% as approvals slow
UKPulse Property Desk
The number of UK residential buildings awaiting cladding remediation has increased by 12% since January, with 4,697 blocks now being monitored. Building Safety Regulator approvals are currently taking 33 weeks to process.
- The number of residential buildings awaiting cladding remediation in the UK has risen by 12% since January.
- There are now 4,697 residential blocks being monitored for potential remediation work.
- Building Safety Regulator approvals for remediation applications are taking 33 weeks to process.
The number of residential buildings awaiting cladding remediation in the UK has increased by 12% since January, according to figures from Property Inspect. Government programmes are now monitoring 4,697 residential blocks for potential work.
Processing delays are contributing to the backlog, with Building Safety Regulator approvals for remediation applications currently taking 33 weeks. While completed remediation projects have increased by 22.2%, the number of buildings waiting for work to begin has also grown.
A new Building Safety Levy on new development came into force today, with charges reaching up to £100 per square metre in some cases. This levy is intended to create a funding mechanism for the development sector to contribute towards remediation costs.
Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Property Inspect, stated that the levy is an important step but added that "money alone will not clear the backlog."
Why this matters: The ongoing backlog highlights challenges in addressing building safety issues that emerged following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.
What this means for you: Property investors and leaseholders in affected buildings may face restrictions on selling or remortgaging their properties. Broader property transactions are also affected, with due diligence processes increasingly focused on building safety certificates.