What is BSL?
The Building Safety Levy is a tax on new residential buildings that comes into effect on 1 October 2026. The income raised from the levy gets transferred to central government to fix building safety defects across England.
The levy will not apply to existing applications that are varied after 1 October 2026.
What Building Control applications/notices are liable for BSL?
Levy information needs to be submitted with Building Control applications for works that relate to the following:
- the provision of at least 1 new dwelling
- the provision of at least 1 new bedspace in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
- change of use to residential purposes (that result in the creation of new dwellings/bedspaces)
Certain types of residential buildings are exempt from BSL and do not need to provide levy information.
How is BSL calculated?
The government has set our levy rates and the levy is charged per square metre of chargeable floorspace.
Bromley’s BSL rates
Previously developed land - £24.81 per sqm
Non-previously developed land - £49.63 per sqm
When is BSL payable?
Within 5 weeks of receiving a commencement notice, we will issue a liability notice for payment (if chargeable) or a notice of no charge (if not chargeable.)
An application that would usually be chargeable will not incur a levy charge if it is built by an exempt person.
The regulations set out how to request a review or appeal a review decision.
BSL must be paid before completion or the first date of occupation (whichever is earliest.) If payment is not received, a final completion certificate will not be issued.
Further information
For more information please visit the gov.uk Building Safety Levy guidance or refer to The Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025.