Focusing on fire safety, regulation, and building compliance is important for investors dealing with any type of real assets and especially higher-risk buildings. Staying informed about these changes safeguards compliance and the protection of assets, residents, and future opportunities. We highlight key recommendations from the Grenfell Inquiry Phase II report for any real estate investor. 

Higher-risk buildings: defining the future 

The landscape for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) is evolving. While height and number of storeys remains a factor, we’re also likely to see considerations around buildings that house vulnerable people or are complex. For investors, this potential change could mean a shift in which properties fall under HRB regulations. It’s crucial to stay informed, identifying potential impacts on your portfolio and ensuring compliance remains a top priority. 

Fire safety strategies: proactive planning 

Looking forward, fire safety strategies will be essential in any HRB-related project, whether it’s new construction or refurbishment. It’s not just a box to tick — it’s a key component in a roadmap to safety and compliance. These strategies, crafted by expert fire engineers and considering unique resident needs, are set to become the norm for ensuring properties are fit for the future. Proactive investors will be ready, keeping assets compliant and transactions smooth. 

Regulating the experts: fire engineers and assessors 

Competence and trust are non-negotiable. With legal recognition and regulation on the horizon, fire engineers and fire risk assessors will have to meet new standards, elevating the quality of every assessment. This means greater peace of mind, but it also requires action. Investors must ask the right questions and vet the professionals they engage. It will be about confirming that the experts handling your properties are up to the task and registered. 

Supply chains and compliance: strengthening partnerships 

Supply chains need to be as robust as the buildings we work on. As regulation comes into play for contractors working on HRBs, a new standard will be set. With registration requirements for principal contractors a potential, investors should focus on forming reliable partnerships and ensuring that every part of their supply chain meets competence and compliance standards. 

PEEPs: personal emergency evacuation plans for everyone 

No one should be left behind — especially in emergencies. The likely future requirement for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) will safeguard that every resident requiring assistance during evacuation has a tailored plan. This adds a layer of responsibility for investors, who must work with property management teams that are equipped to develop, maintain, and implement these plans effectively. This measure is crucial in fostering an environment where all residents feel safe and secure in their homes.  

Compliance and responsibility: a client’s commitment 

Building regulation compliance isn’t just about meeting the law; it’s also about leading with responsibility and pride in the safety of your properties. Under the Building Safety Act, clients must safeguard compliance throughout the lifecycle of any project. It creates an opportunity to build better, safer, and stronger, setting the standard for a sustainable future. 

We can help 

At Hollis, we see these developments not as challenges but as opportunities to build safer, smarter, and more resilient properties and to continue supporting our clients with integrated, commercial advice that inspires confidence and drives growth. 

Our commitment to building safety helps our clients not just stay compliant but also supports them with adaptable, robust, and inclusive safety solutions. With our expert guidance, you can be assured that you are well-prepared to meet today’s requirements and tomorrow’s challenges. For support or further information, get in touch with Benjamin Ralph, Head of Building Safety and Fire.  

What’s next? 

The above offers insights for investors, but we recognise that other stakeholders — developers, lenders, and asset managers — are likely to be impacted in different ways by the changes and recommendations from the inquiry’s Phase II report. 

In this series, we’ll continue to deliver insights tailored to these stakeholders, keeping you informed of relevant developments and providing practical guidance. Stay tuned.