From 30 September 2026, all new residential buildings over 18 metres in England must have at least two staircases. This affects landlords and developers planning taller residential buildings. Existing buildings are not affected.
From 30 September 2026, the Building Regulations in England will require all new residential buildings over 18 metres in height to have at least two staircases. This is a significant change from the previous single-staircase requirement that applied to most residential buildings regardless of height.
The requirement applies to building regulations applications submitted on or after 30 September 2026. Applications already submitted and validly approved before that date may proceed under the previous rules, subject to transitional arrangements.
For landlords investing in new-build developments or co-investing in residential schemes, this requirement will affect the design, cost and footprint of any building over 18 metres. Developers should review current scheme designs to ensure compliance.
Action required
If you are developing or planning any residential building over 18 metres, ensure your design incorporates two staircases before submitting a building regulations application. Applications submitted after 30 September 2026 must comply.
Effective
30 September 2026
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify information against the original source and seek independent professional guidance before acting on any regulatory matter.