Business Up North: 186 Property Solutions Highlights Liability Changes Predicted To Drive Demand For Commercial Building Upgrades
186 Property Solutions is urging commercial and public-sector building owners to review their estates following extended liability measures introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA), warning that a lack of awareness could leave organisations exposed to new safety-related claims.
Story as covered by businessupnorth.co.uk, 15th December 2025. View the article here.
The refurbishment and retrofit specialist says that, despite the legislation having been in force for almost three years, understanding of its implications remains inconsistent across offices, retail premises, schools, hospitals and industrial facilities.
Jonathan Carter, a director at 186 Property Solutions, said the business is actively raising awareness of the reforms, which could affect owners and managers of buildings constructed or refurbished since the 1980s.
“We’re finding that many estate owners and managers aren’t fully aware of how far-reaching these liability extensions are. While several provisions were originally designed with residential settings in mind, elements of the extended limitation periods and the new construction-product liabilities have wider potential implications for commercial and public buildings. Owners need to understand how these changes may relate to their estates.”
One area drawing increasing attention is the strengthened route for claims under Section 38 of the Building Act 1984. This provision enables actions relating to injury or property damage caused by breaches of building regulations. Under the BSA, a 15-year limitation period applies, although the timing and extent of its practical application will depend on future regulations and how the courts interpret the provision.
The Act also introduces extended liability for defective or misleading construction products, with claims possible for up to 30 years retrospectively and 15 years prospectively. This may affect materials commonly found in non-residential buildings, including cladding systems, insulation and fire-stopping products. In addition, Building Liability Orders (BLOs) give courts the power, in certain circumstances, to extend responsibility to associated companies where the original contractor or developer no longer exists.
Jonathan Carter believes these changes will inevitably increase scrutiny of existing estates, adding: “As awareness grows, we expect more owners to commission condition surveys, fire-safety assessments and targeted remedial projects to ensure buildings remain compliant. For many properties built or updated between the 1980s and early 2000s, increased scrutiny is inevitable.”
Darlington-headquartered 186 Property Solutions, which also operates an office in Berkshire serving clients across London and the South East, expects larger and more complex estates to face growing compliance pressures as liability periods extend.
“We’ve always placed safety, quality and compliance at the heart of every project,” he said. “The Act raises expectations around accountability, which aligns with our approach. Our role is to help clients understand their obligations and deliver the remedial and upgrade works needed to protect their buildings and the people who use them.”
Industry analysts note that insurers are also reviewing risk models in response to extended liability timeframes, adding further pressure on building owners to demonstrate compliance.
“Ultimately, these changes are about safeguarding people and property. By highlighting them now, we want to ensure building owners are prepared rather than reacting after a claim is made.”
