A higher-risk building is subject to the Building Safety Act 2022 regulatory regime if it meets specific height or storey thresholds and contains residential units. This definition applies in England only. The definition is assessed both during design and construction, and during the occupation phase.
- Height threshold
- 18 metres or more
- Storey threshold (alternative)
- 7 storeys or more
- Residential units requirement
- Must contain 2 or more residential units
- Geographic scope
- England only
- Regime commencement
- 1 October 2023
- Latest clarification
- Updated 28 May 2025 (roof garden tribunal decision)
Buildings meeting either the height criterion (18 metres) OR the storey criterion (7 storeys) AND containing 2+ residential units are subject to mandatory registration with the Building Safety Regulator before occupation. A building does not need to meet both the height and storey thresholds - meeting one is sufficient if it contains 2 or more residential units.