Transfer slabs have attracted significant attention from regulators and industry bodies in recent months. Here, we break down what building owners need to understand, why it matters now, and what steps to take.
What is a transfer slab?
A transfer slab is a floor arrangement where a column sits on top of a floor slab but doesn’t have a supporting column directly beneath it. The transfer slab takes the load from the column above and distributes it to the columns below. It is a deliberate design feature that allows flexibility in how buildings are laid out across different floors.
Transfer slabs are typically found in mixed-use residential developments, hotels, and student accommodation where the structural column grid changes between floors. Common examples include ground floor podium slabs with car parking below residential use, podium level slabs separating residential from retail or commercial areas, and upper levels where buildings step back.
They have become more common in buildings constructed since the 2000s.
Why is this in the news now?
In December 2025, the Building Safety Regulator wrote to all building owners asking them to take proportionate steps to manage safety in buildings with transfer slabs.
This followed two pieces of industry activity: guidance issued by the Institution of Structural Engineers on transfer slab design for new builds, and a CROSS report (13.1) that highlighted potential risks with punching shear. Punching shear is the risk that a high concentration of load could cause a column to punch through the slab – a structural failure with serious safety implications.
MHCLG is currently undertaking further industry research with experts to better understand the extent of the risk and how it can be managed. Building owners are asked to stay informed as this work develops.
What are my responsibilities as a building owner?
Responsible persons, including Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs), have a duty to be aware of potential safety issues in their buildings.
For Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), PAPs must assess the risk of structural failure under the Building Safety Act. This means carrying out a risk assessment of the existing structure as part of the Building Safety Case and demonstrating to the Building Safety Regulator that the risk has been properly investigated and is being adequately managed.
For non-HRB housing blocks, Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act covers repairing obligations relating to structure. Other buildings fall under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The starting point in all cases is to understand whether your buildings have transfer slabs and, if so, to seek professional advice on their condition and the management of any risk.
How should existing buildings be assessed?
Existing buildings should be assessed by competent professionals. The process starts with desktop assessments of the as-built development, examining how any transfer slab was designed.
Where record information is not available, further investigation may be needed – either through a risk-based approach or, in some cases, limited physical inspections. The level of investigation required will depend on the specific building and what the desktop review reveals.
Do I need to act urgently?
Most buildings will not require urgent action. The key first step is understanding whether you have a transfer slab at all, and then taking a proportionate approach to further assessment.
Starting with a desktop screening exercise gives you cost-effective clarity across your portfolio and allows you to make informed decisions about where to focus attention. Not every building will warrant the same level of investigation, and a structured approach helps direct time and cost where they are genuinely needed.
How can Workman help?
Our RICS-Chartered Building Surveyors can identify whether your buildings have transfer slabs and guide you through a structured review. We use a four-stage approach designed to give clarity while focusing resources where they are actually needed.
Stage 1 – Desktop Screening: We review your building information – construction dates, drawings, and layouts – to identify properties likely to have transfer slabs. You receive a Red/Amber/Green (RAG) assessment to help prioritise next steps.
Stage 2 – Site Inspections: For buildings flagged as medium or higher risk, our surveyors carry out targeted site inspections. We assess visible structural elements, look for signs of distress, and establish whether further investigation is justified.
Stage 3 – Detailed Assessments: Where we find concerns, we work with qualified structural engineers to arrange a full structural risk assessment. You receive clear, practical advice on whether remedial works are required.
Stage 4 – Remedial Works: If works are needed, we summarise the structural engineer’s guidance, procure contractors, and project manage the work through to completion.
