Glossary definition
Part L Compliance
The requirement to meet the energy efficiency standards set out in Part L of the Building Regulations, covering the conservation of fuel and power in buildings. The 2021 uplift to Part L introduced a 31% reduction in carbon emissions for new dwellings compared to the previous standard, representing a significant step towards the Future Homes Standard expected in 2025.
Definition
The requirement to meet the energy efficiency standards set out in Part L of the Building Regulations, covering the conservation of fuel and power in buildings. The 2021 uplift to Part L introduced a 31% reduction in carbon emissions for new dwellings compared to the previous standard, representing a significant step towards the Future Homes Standard expected in 2025. Compliance typically requires enhanced fabric performance, low-carbon heating (often heat pumps), and can add 3–8% to build costs, which must be reflected in the development appraisal.
See also
Closely related terms.
Building Regulations
The statutory standards that all building work in England and Wales must comply with, covering structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, drainage, and accessibility.
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
A certificate that rates the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), required whenever a property is built, sold, or let.
Build Cost
The total cost of construction works on a development project, typically including materials, labour, preliminaries, and contractor margins.
Fire Safety
The suite of regulatory requirements governing fire prevention, detection, and means of escape in buildings, significantly overhauled following the Building Safety Act 2022.
Further reading
Guides that touch this term.
Guide
How Does Development Finance Work? A Complete Guide for UK Developers
A ground-up guide to how development finance is structured in the UK, covering loan mechanics, drawdown schedules, monitoring surveyors, and what lenders look for in your application.
5 min read readReadGuide
Legal Due Diligence in Development Finance: What Solicitors Check
Legal due diligence is the backbone of every development finance transaction. This guide explains what solicitors investigate, common issues that delay completions, and how to prepare your legal pack.
9 min read readReadGuide
UK Development Finance Market 2026: Rates, Trends and Outlook
A comprehensive overview of the UK development finance market in 2026, covering current interest rates, lender appetite, emerging trends, and what developers should expect over the coming 12 months.
9 min read readRead
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