Important EWS1 Information
At Alex & Matteo Estate Agents, we understand that buying or selling a property can be a complex process, and one of the most pressing issues in recent years has been the confusion surrounding External Wall System (EWS1) forms. Fire safety is a critical concern, and ensuring that a property meets all necessary regulations is essential for buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants alike.
The EWS1 form was introduced to assess the safety of external wall systems on high-rise buildings, but recent reports have highlighted that invalid or improperly completed forms are causing significant problems for property transactions. If you are looking to buy or sell a flat, particularly in a building with cladding, understanding the role of EWS1 forms and the risks of invalid documentation is crucial.
Important EWS1 Information
An EWS1 form is a certificate used to assess the fire safety of a building’s external wall system, including cladding and insulation materials. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, stricter regulations were introduced to ensure that buildings meet fire safety standards. The EWS1 process was designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in collaboration with lenders and fire safety experts to provide clarity on whether a building is safe and mortgageable.
An EWS1 form must be completed by a qualified fire safety professional who assesses the building and provides a rating. The results determine whether remedial work is required or if the building is considered safe.
For buyers and sellers, the EWS1 form is crucial because:
If an EWS1 form is missing, invalid, or incorrectly completed, it can delay transactions and leave buyers unable to secure a mortgage.
Important EWS1 Information
Recent reports have warned that some EWS1 forms are being completed by unqualified individuals, leading to widespread concerns over accuracy and reliability. In some cases, mortgage applications have been rejected due to errors in the paperwork, causing frustration for buyers and sellers alike.
Key issues include:
Important EWS1 Information
If you are buying or selling a flat in a high-rise building, always ensure that the EWS1 form is completed by a qualified and recognised fire safety professional. Ask for details on who conducted the assessment and cross-check their credentials.
Different lenders have different policies on EWS1 requirements. Before making an offer on a property, check with your mortgage provider to confirm whether they require the form and what criteria they expect it to meet.
If you own a flat in a building requiring an EWS1 form, ask the property management company for the latest fire risk assessments and details of any planned remedial works. This information can help buyers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.
At Alex & Matteo Estate Agents, we are well-versed in the challenges surrounding EWS1 forms and fire safety compliance. We guide buyers and sellers through the process, helping to resolve any concerns and ensuring that transactions proceed as smoothly as possible. If you have questions about fire safety and mortgage ability, our expert team is here to help.
Important EWS1 Information
If an EWS1 form determines that a building’s external wall system poses a fire risk, the property may be classed as unmortgageable until remediation works are completed. This can create financial challenges for leaseholders, as many are left in limbo, unable to sell their homes or secure new mortgages.
The UK government has introduced schemes to fund the removal of unsafe cladding, but the process has been slow, and many leaseholders are still awaiting solutions. In some cases, the building’s freeholder is responsible for arranging and paying for remedial works, while in others, costs may be passed on to leaseholders through service charges.
If you are affected by this issue, seeking legal advice and working with an experienced estate agent can help you explore your options.
The government and property industry are actively working to address the ongoing concerns surrounding EWS1 forms. There have been calls to simplify the process, improve assessor qualifications, and ensure that buildings are assessed fairly and efficiently.
In the meantime, it remains essential for property buyers and sellers to stay informed and take the necessary precautions when dealing with high-rise properties. Ensuring that EWS1 forms are valid and completed correctly can help prevent delays and financial complications.
At Alex & Matteo Estate Agents, we are committed to helping our clients navigate the ever-changing landscape of the London property market. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, understanding fire safety regulations and EWS1 requirements is crucial.
If you need guidance on purchasing a flat in a high-rise building, have concerns about fire safety documentation, or want expert advice on selling your property, our team is here to help.
