Introduction

Welcome to the latest edition of LODGE: A Living Sector Update. The UK Living Sector continues to navigate a period of extraordinary change, with regulatory reform, building safety, and shifting demographics converging to reshape the landscape for investors, developers, and operators alike. At Charles Russell Speechlys, these developments remain at the heart of our work, and this edition of our Living Sector newsletter brings together thought leadership from across our Real Estate, Construction and Engineering, Corporate and Family teams.

We begin with safety – an ever-present concern – examining the implementation stage of the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025, and stepping back to consider the broader period of significant building safety reform now under way across the UK. Our Construction, Engineering & Projects team also analyse a notable Technology and Construction Court decision concerning Building Liability Orders, which will be of particular interest to developers and contractors grappling with the evolving liability framework. On the regulatory front, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 is becoming embedded into practices, and we offer a practical guide to what operators and landlords need to know, and explore what the latest wave of regulatory changes means for those investing in the UK Living Sector, alongside new Right to Work obligations that operators will need to get to grips with. We also turn our attention to the structural forces reshaping demand: from the demographic shifts redefining how and where people live in the UK, as well as the growing role of purpose-built student accommodation in London's Living Sector story. Across these themes, a common thread emerges – the living sector is maturing rapidly, and those who engage early with the legal and commercial landscape stand to be best placed as it does. We hope you find this edition informative and thought-provoking, and as always, our team is on hand to discuss any of the issues raised.

Mark White Editor

Partner Real Estate +44 (0)20 7427 6556 mark.white@crsblaw.com

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