Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. As a homebuyer, you want to ensure that the property you are buying is safe and up to standard. That’s why it’s essential to keep updated on legislation that could affect your interests as a prospective homebuyer in the UK. One such legislation is the Building Safety Act. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what this new Act entails and the impact it could have on you.
The Building Safety Act (BSA) is a law that aims to improve building safety and accountability. It is a response to the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, which resulted in the death of 72 people and brought attention to the issues of building safety in the UK. The legislation was introduced following a report by Dame Judith Hackitt in 2018. The Act was passed in April 2021 and will affect all new builds and substantial refurbishments of residential buildings over 18 meters tall.
One of the main aims of the BSA is to make sure that people are safe in their homes. It introduces a new regime for the certification of buildings and the appointment of a Building Safety Regulator, which will oversee the safety of high-rise buildings. This regulator will have new powers, including the ability to prosecute those who breach building safety rules, and all high-rise residential buildings will be required to have a named individual to take responsibility for building safety.
The BSA also introduces a new system of safety checks, known as the golden thread. This is a system of record-keeping that will require developers and building owners to keep a digital record of all construction and design decisions relating to a building. This will include ensuring that regular inspections are undertaken and records of any corrective action are kept. The golden thread will ensure that there is a clear line of accountability and information about a building’s safety is available to those who need it.
For homebuyers, the BSA is an essential piece of legislation as it will increase the safety of buildings and bring accountability to developers and building owners. The Act will also require sellers to share relevant information about the safety of a building with buyers before a sale completes. It will help buyers make informed decisions and provide them with greater confidence when purchasing a property.
As a homebuyer, it is important to be aware of the Building Safety Act and the impact it will have on the property market. The Act will bring much-needed accountability and transparency to the construction and ownership of high-rise buildings. It will also give homeowners reassurance that their properties meet high safety standards. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a property in the UK, it’s important to consult with your solicitor or agent to ensure that you are aware of all the relevant safety information before making your purchase.
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