External wall system statement

Our statement on current lender requirements.

External wall system (EWS1) forms are currently required by lenders to check for the presence of cladding on a building.

This is causing delays and long waiting times for leaseholders who wish to re-mortgage or sell their property. The form may also identify issues that will need rectifying before lenders are willing to lend, which can have a huge financial impact and cause further delay.

The completion of EWS1 forms is not a legal requirement for any landlord or the freeholder to produce. It is, however, recognised that without them, leaseholders may not obtain lending.

We will be procuring contractors to carry out these surveys which should start to become available in the second half of 2024 for relevant buildings.