A step forward—but not the final solution
While the IMAF is a positive development, it remains part of a broader, ongoing remediation challenge. For agents, the priority will be balancing resident safety, cost management, and regulatory compliance as the sector continues to evolve.
The introduction of long-term funding provides greater certainty—but also reinforces the need for agents to stay informed, proactive, and engaged with both policy changes and industry guidance.
A shift from waking watch to sustainable safety measures
The new fund replaces the Waking Watch Replacement Fund (WWRF), which closed to new applications on 31 March 2026. While waking watch patrols have been widely used as a temporary safety measure, they have proven costly for leaseholders.
Under the previous scheme:
- £71.7 million was allocated to 801 buildings
- Leaseholders saved an estimated £273 per month
The new IMAF aims to build on this success by incentivising the installation of common fire alarm systems, which are widely recognised as a safer, more reliable, and significantly cheaper alternative to waking watch.
For agents, this signals a continued shift toward long-term, scalable safety solutions rather than short-term cost burdens.
Supporting leaseholders and maintaining occupancy
For property professionals managing affected buildings, the implications are clear:
- Reduced financial pressure on leaseholders improves retention and reduces arrears risk
- Improved safety reassurance supports resident confidence and wellbeing
- Greater operational clarity as funding continues through to 2035 (subject to eligibility)
This is particularly relevant for agents managing multi-occupancy or higher-risk buildings, where interim safety costs have been a major point of contention.
Part of a wider remediation strategy
The fund forms part of the UK Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP), first published in December 2024 and updated in July 2025. The plan focuses on three core objectives:
- Fix unsafe buildings faster
- Identify all buildings over 11 metres with unsafe cladding
- Support residents throughout the remediation process
The introduction of a long-term alarm fund was a key commitment in this plan, reflecting stakeholder feedback—including from the property sector—that interim safety costs must not unfairly fall on leaseholders.
Delivery through Homes England
The scheme will be administered by Homes England via the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) platform, providing continuity for agents already familiar with the application process.
Agents should prepare for:
- Eligibility assessments linked to remediation status
- Coordination with building owners and managing agents
- Ongoing compliance and documentation requirements
More information on the fund, including eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply, can be found here.
Propertymark’s campaigning
We have consistently campaigned for a fairer cost distribution, ensuring leaseholders are not penalised for systemic building safety failures, practical interim safety solutions, such as alarm systems over expensive waking watches. Plus, clear guidance and funding pathways for agents managing affected buildings.
This new fund reflects many of those priorities, particularly in reducing monthly costs and providing longer-term certainty.
