EWS1

annetheman

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

Sadly, this announcement was rebuffed by UKF director the BSA - they did not consent to be included in it before Jenrick posted it.

Your building might still require EWS1 for most lenders due to attachments (balconies).

*EDIT TO ADD* I just saw you're going with Leeds, me too! Best of luck. Here is their criteria as it pertains to EWS1: https://www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk/_resources/pdfs/intermediaries-pdfs/lbs_cladding_on_flats.pdf so if the balconies have e.g. timber or composite decking, it will very likely require it. I'm guessing the A3 means it does (generally, BS8414-approved aluminium decking is the component on balconies that won't need it, very few modern developments have it though, because it's expensive AF and developers usually go for the cheaper compliant option).

Here's another active thread about this: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6217523/govt-makes-haphazard-attempt-to-alleviate-some-of-the-blockages-in-flat-sales-mess-caused-by-ews1/p1

are you buying flat as well? I have been applying since July, been through different lenders. It is really a nightmare for me.
What is your status of application with Leeds? I just submitted last Friday through my broker.

Yes, a flat. LBS themselves have been great, underwriting was done very quickly and they said pending the EWS1 is satisfactory, they would be okay to proceed given valuer sign-off. This was back in Sep though, since cancelled my app due to broker not responding... So going with another broker! They have offered to reopen the app upon payment of £70 fee and completed EWS1, plus updated evidence I sent before. So, not a disaster...

But my flat is in a <18m (4 storey) brick-clad new building, completed 2019, with timber composite-decked balconies.

So EWS1 is required.

Best of luck - what type of building is yours in? 

If you can get a copy of EWS1 it would be very helpful for you, because depending on what the issue is, A3 can be mitigated against with lender.

Virtually all modern (1995-2020) buildings have cladding, so you may mean your building is brick-clad, in which case surveyor may have given A3 because they cannot be sure that the materials within the insulation layer of the external wall system are non-combustible as per consolidated Jan 2020 MHCLG advice notes. This is a bigger problem.

I may however be that the balconies alone are the cause of the A3 rating. If they are the only issue, replacing decking is far far far far cheaper and easily remediated in comparison with combustible insulation in the EWS, for example. Valuers can be given supplementary evidence of remediation plans and could give the valuation to lend on the proviso the freeholder doesn't pass the costs onto the leaseholders/you. I know of at least one person who managed to remortgage this way.

nicole_94

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

Sadly, this announcement was rebuffed by UKF director the BSA - they did not consent to be included in it before Jenrick posted it.

Your building might still require EWS1 for most lenders due to attachments (balconies).

*EDIT TO ADD* I just saw you're going with Leeds, me too! Best of luck. Here is their criteria as it pertains to EWS1: https://www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk/_resources/pdfs/intermediaries-pdfs/lbs_cladding_on_flats.pdf so if the balconies have e.g. timber or composite decking, it will very likely require it. I'm guessing the A3 means it does (generally, BS8414-approved aluminium decking is the component on balconies that won't need it, very few modern developments have it though, because it's expensive AF and developers usually go for the cheaper compliant option).

Here's another active thread about this: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6217523/govt-makes-haphazard-attempt-to-alleviate-some-of-the-blockages-in-flat-sales-mess-caused-by-ews1/p1

are you buying flat as well? I have been applying since July, been through different lenders. It is really a nightmare for me.
What is your status of application with Leeds? I just submitted last Friday through my broker.

Yes, a flat. LBS themselves have been great, underwriting was done very quickly and they said pending the EWS1 is satisfactory, they would be okay to proceed given valuer sign-off. This was back in Sep though, since cancelled my app due to broker not responding... So going with another broker! They have offered to reopen the app upon payment of £70 fee and completed EWS1, plus updated evidence I sent before. So, not a disaster...

But my flat is in a <18m (4 storey) brick-clad new building, completed 2019, with timber composite-decked balconies.

So EWS1 is required.

Best of luck - what type of building is yours in? 

If you can get a copy of EWS1 it would be very helpful for you, because depending on what the issue is, A3 can be mitigated against with lender.

Virtually all modern (1995-2020) buildings have cladding, so you may mean your building is brick-clad, in which case surveyor may have given A3 because they cannot be sure that the materials within the insulation layer of the external wall system are non-combustible as per consolidated Jan 2020 MHCLG advice notes. This is a bigger problem.

I may however be that the balconies alone are the cause of the A3 rating. If they are the only issue, replacing decking is far far far far cheaper and easily remediated in comparison with combustible insulation in the EWS, for example. Valuers can be given supplementary evidence of remediation plans and could give the valuation to lend on the proviso the freeholder doesn't pass the costs onto the leaseholders/you. I know of at least one person who managed to remortgage this way.

Ah ! my flat is the same too, new build year 2020, brick clad with timber balcony. 
Previous lender, Skipton, required EWS1 form because their surveyor stated that the building incorporates a cladding system/balconies that may contain combustible material. 
I think I will approach the mortgage broker and get the EWS1 form and find out more information.
Thank you for sharing this with me! Hopefully you will get your home soon ! 🤞🙏

annetheman

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

Sadly, this announcement was rebuffed by UKF director the BSA - they did not consent to be included in it before Jenrick posted it.

Your building might still require EWS1 for most lenders due to attachments (balconies).

*EDIT TO ADD* I just saw you're going with Leeds, me too! Best of luck. Here is their criteria as it pertains to EWS1: https://www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk/_resources/pdfs/intermediaries-pdfs/lbs_cladding_on_flats.pdf so if the balconies have e.g. timber or composite decking, it will very likely require it. I'm guessing the A3 means it does (generally, BS8414-approved aluminium decking is the component on balconies that won't need it, very few modern developments have it though, because it's expensive AF and developers usually go for the cheaper compliant option).

Here's another active thread about this: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6217523/govt-makes-haphazard-attempt-to-alleviate-some-of-the-blockages-in-flat-sales-mess-caused-by-ews1/p1

are you buying flat as well? I have been applying since July, been through different lenders. It is really a nightmare for me.
What is your status of application with Leeds? I just submitted last Friday through my broker.

Yes, a flat. LBS themselves have been great, underwriting was done very quickly and they said pending the EWS1 is satisfactory, they would be okay to proceed given valuer sign-off. This was back in Sep though, since cancelled my app due to broker not responding... So going with another broker! They have offered to reopen the app upon payment of £70 fee and completed EWS1, plus updated evidence I sent before. So, not a disaster...

But my flat is in a <18m (4 storey) brick-clad new building, completed 2019, with timber composite-decked balconies.

So EWS1 is required.

Best of luck - what type of building is yours in? 

If you can get a copy of EWS1 it would be very helpful for you, because depending on what the issue is, A3 can be mitigated against with lender.

Virtually all modern (1995-2020) buildings have cladding, so you may mean your building is brick-clad, in which case surveyor may have given A3 because they cannot be sure that the materials within the insulation layer of the external wall system are non-combustible as per consolidated Jan 2020 MHCLG advice notes. This is a bigger problem.

I may however be that the balconies alone are the cause of the A3 rating. If they are the only issue, replacing decking is far far far far cheaper and easily remediated in comparison with combustible insulation in the EWS, for example. Valuers can be given supplementary evidence of remediation plans and could give the valuation to lend on the proviso the freeholder doesn't pass the costs onto the leaseholders/you. I know of at least one person who managed to remortgage this way.

Ah ! my flat is the same too, new build year 2020, brick clad with timber balcony. 
Previous lender, Skipton, required EWS1 form because their surveyor stated that the building incorporates a cladding system/balconies that may contain combustible material. 
I think I will approach the mortgage broker and get the EWS1 form and find out more information.
Thank you for sharing this with me! Hopefully you will get your home soon ! 🤞🙏

No problem! If I find out anything else I will share with you, but you've chosen a good lender, I think. They have been great and offering to reopen my application due to the EWS1 taking so long is unheard of. So if they need any supporting materials etc for your building, I think they will be patient with you just don't not answer them, like my  soon-to-be-ex broker did!!! 

Can I ask how long it took for you to get the EWS1 form, from the date of the survey?

nicole_94

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

Sadly, this announcement was rebuffed by UKF director the BSA - they did not consent to be included in it before Jenrick posted it.

Your building might still require EWS1 for most lenders due to attachments (balconies).

*EDIT TO ADD* I just saw you're going with Leeds, me too! Best of luck. Here is their criteria as it pertains to EWS1: https://www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk/_resources/pdfs/intermediaries-pdfs/lbs_cladding_on_flats.pdf so if the balconies have e.g. timber or composite decking, it will very likely require it. I'm guessing the A3 means it does (generally, BS8414-approved aluminium decking is the component on balconies that won't need it, very few modern developments have it though, because it's expensive AF and developers usually go for the cheaper compliant option).

Here's another active thread about this: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6217523/govt-makes-haphazard-attempt-to-alleviate-some-of-the-blockages-in-flat-sales-mess-caused-by-ews1/p1

are you buying flat as well? I have been applying since July, been through different lenders. It is really a nightmare for me.
What is your status of application with Leeds? I just submitted last Friday through my broker.

Yes, a flat. LBS themselves have been great, underwriting was done very quickly and they said pending the EWS1 is satisfactory, they would be okay to proceed given valuer sign-off. This was back in Sep though, since cancelled my app due to broker not responding... So going with another broker! They have offered to reopen the app upon payment of £70 fee and completed EWS1, plus updated evidence I sent before. So, not a disaster...

But my flat is in a <18m (4 storey) brick-clad new building, completed 2019, with timber composite-decked balconies.

So EWS1 is required.

Best of luck - what type of building is yours in? 

If you can get a copy of EWS1 it would be very helpful for you, because depending on what the issue is, A3 can be mitigated against with lender.

Virtually all modern (1995-2020) buildings have cladding, so you may mean your building is brick-clad, in which case surveyor may have given A3 because they cannot be sure that the materials within the insulation layer of the external wall system are non-combustible as per consolidated Jan 2020 MHCLG advice notes. This is a bigger problem.

I may however be that the balconies alone are the cause of the A3 rating. If they are the only issue, replacing decking is far far far far cheaper and easily remediated in comparison with combustible insulation in the EWS, for example. Valuers can be given supplementary evidence of remediation plans and could give the valuation to lend on the proviso the freeholder doesn't pass the costs onto the leaseholders/you. I know of at least one person who managed to remortgage this way.

Ah ! my flat is the same too, new build year 2020, brick clad with timber balcony. 
Previous lender, Skipton, required EWS1 form because their surveyor stated that the building incorporates a cladding system/balconies that may contain combustible material. 
I think I will approach the mortgage broker and get the EWS1 form and find out more information.
Thank you for sharing this with me! Hopefully you will get your home soon ! 🤞🙏

No problem! If I find out anything else I will share with you, but you've chosen a good lender, I think. They have been great and offering to reopen my application due to the EWS1 taking so long is unheard of. So if they need any supporting materials etc for your building, I think they will be patient with you just don't not answer them, like my  soon-to-be-ex broker did!!! 

Can I ask how long it took for you to get the EWS1 form, from the date of the survey?

sure ! thank you. I will let you know if I hear anything from Leeds regarding the EWS1 form. I like my broker. She is very attentive, so should be no problem in dealing with lender.
Apparently, my building has the EWS1 form. I am not sure how long they took to get the form. So, when Skipton asked for the EWS1, my broker provided them straightaway. But Skipton's policy is they can't accept EWS1 with A3 rating at all (even they had offered to other occupiers in the other building in the same development in past). The only reason my broker gave me was the lender keeps changing the criteria. Unlucky me.

nicole_94

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

Sadly, this announcement was rebuffed by UKF director the BSA - they did not consent to be included in it before Jenrick posted it.

Your building might still require EWS1 for most lenders due to attachments (balconies).

*EDIT TO ADD* I just saw you're going with Leeds, me too! Best of luck. Here is their criteria as it pertains to EWS1: https://www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk/_resources/pdfs/intermediaries-pdfs/lbs_cladding_on_flats.pdf so if the balconies have e.g. timber or composite decking, it will very likely require it. I'm guessing the A3 means it does (generally, BS8414-approved aluminium decking is the component on balconies that won't need it, very few modern developments have it though, because it's expensive AF and developers usually go for the cheaper compliant option).

Here's another active thread about this: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6217523/govt-makes-haphazard-attempt-to-alleviate-some-of-the-blockages-in-flat-sales-mess-caused-by-ews1/p1

are you buying flat as well? I have been applying since July, been through different lenders. It is really a nightmare for me.
What is your status of application with Leeds? I just submitted last Friday through my broker.

Yes, a flat. LBS themselves have been great, underwriting was done very quickly and they said pending the EWS1 is satisfactory, they would be okay to proceed given valuer sign-off. This was back in Sep though, since cancelled my app due to broker not responding... So going with another broker! They have offered to reopen the app upon payment of £70 fee and completed EWS1, plus updated evidence I sent before. So, not a disaster...

But my flat is in a <18m (4 storey) brick-clad new building, completed 2019, with timber composite-decked balconies.

So EWS1 is required.

Best of luck - what type of building is yours in? 

If you can get a copy of EWS1 it would be very helpful for you, because depending on what the issue is, A3 can be mitigated against with lender.

Virtually all modern (1995-2020) buildings have cladding, so you may mean your building is brick-clad, in which case surveyor may have given A3 because they cannot be sure that the materials within the insulation layer of the external wall system are non-combustible as per consolidated Jan 2020 MHCLG advice notes. This is a bigger problem.

I may however be that the balconies alone are the cause of the A3 rating. If they are the only issue, replacing decking is far far far far cheaper and easily remediated in comparison with combustible insulation in the EWS, for example. Valuers can be given supplementary evidence of remediation plans and could give the valuation to lend on the proviso the freeholder doesn't pass the costs onto the leaseholders/you. I know of at least one person who managed to remortgage this way.

Ah ! my flat is the same too, new build year 2020, brick clad with timber balcony. 
Previous lender, Skipton, required EWS1 form because their surveyor stated that the building incorporates a cladding system/balconies that may contain combustible material. 
I think I will approach the mortgage broker and get the EWS1 form and find out more information.
Thank you for sharing this with me! Hopefully you will get your home soon ! 🤞🙏

No problem! If I find out anything else I will share with you, but you've chosen a good lender, I think. They have been great and offering to reopen my application due to the EWS1 taking so long is unheard of. So if they need any supporting materials etc for your building, I think they will be patient with you just don't not answer them, like my  soon-to-be-ex broker did!!! 

Can I ask how long it took for you to get the EWS1 form, from the date of the survey?

Just had a chat with my broker. She told me that my valuation is next Monday. So, let's see what is the outcome. My EWS1 form just mentions A3 rating, but does not specify the remedial work is for balcony or the insulation in wall. But we assume is the timber balcony. So finger crossed !

annetheman

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

Sadly, this announcement was rebuffed by UKF director the BSA - they did not consent to be included in it before Jenrick posted it.

Your building might still require EWS1 for most lenders due to attachments (balconies).

*EDIT TO ADD* I just saw you're going with Leeds, me too! Best of luck. Here is their criteria as it pertains to EWS1: https://www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk/_resources/pdfs/intermediaries-pdfs/lbs_cladding_on_flats.pdf so if the balconies have e.g. timber or composite decking, it will very likely require it. I'm guessing the A3 means it does (generally, BS8414-approved aluminium decking is the component on balconies that won't need it, very few modern developments have it though, because it's expensive AF and developers usually go for the cheaper compliant option).

Here's another active thread about this: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6217523/govt-makes-haphazard-attempt-to-alleviate-some-of-the-blockages-in-flat-sales-mess-caused-by-ews1/p1

are you buying flat as well? I have been applying since July, been through different lenders. It is really a nightmare for me.
What is your status of application with Leeds? I just submitted last Friday through my broker.

Yes, a flat. LBS themselves have been great, underwriting was done very quickly and they said pending the EWS1 is satisfactory, they would be okay to proceed given valuer sign-off. This was back in Sep though, since cancelled my app due to broker not responding... So going with another broker! They have offered to reopen the app upon payment of £70 fee and completed EWS1, plus updated evidence I sent before. So, not a disaster...

But my flat is in a <18m (4 storey) brick-clad new building, completed 2019, with timber composite-decked balconies.

So EWS1 is required.

Best of luck - what type of building is yours in? 

If you can get a copy of EWS1 it would be very helpful for you, because depending on what the issue is, A3 can be mitigated against with lender.

Virtually all modern (1995-2020) buildings have cladding, so you may mean your building is brick-clad, in which case surveyor may have given A3 because they cannot be sure that the materials within the insulation layer of the external wall system are non-combustible as per consolidated Jan 2020 MHCLG advice notes. This is a bigger problem.

I may however be that the balconies alone are the cause of the A3 rating. If they are the only issue, replacing decking is far far far far cheaper and easily remediated in comparison with combustible insulation in the EWS, for example. Valuers can be given supplementary evidence of remediation plans and could give the valuation to lend on the proviso the freeholder doesn't pass the costs onto the leaseholders/you. I know of at least one person who managed to remortgage this way.

Ah ! my flat is the same too, new build year 2020, brick clad with timber balcony. 
Previous lender, Skipton, required EWS1 form because their surveyor stated that the building incorporates a cladding system/balconies that may contain combustible material. 
I think I will approach the mortgage broker and get the EWS1 form and find out more information.
Thank you for sharing this with me! Hopefully you will get your home soon ! 🤞🙏

No problem! If I find out anything else I will share with you, but you've chosen a good lender, I think. They have been great and offering to reopen my application due to the EWS1 taking so long is unheard of. So if they need any supporting materials etc for your building, I think they will be patient with you just don't not answer them, like my  soon-to-be-ex broker did!!! 

Can I ask how long it took for you to get the EWS1 form, from the date of the survey?

Just had a chat with my broker. She told me that my valuation is next Monday. So, let's see what is the outcome. My EWS1 form just mentions A3 rating, but does not specify the remedial work is for balcony or the insulation in wall. But we assume is the timber balcony. So finger crossed !

I hope it is, there are far more options I think for agreement with a lender if it is just the balconies and it'd obviously be a relief knowing the building is safe once the (relatively) small job of remediating the balconies is done.

I'm submitting a new Leeds application, too - but EWS1 looking like it'll take at least 6 months from the date of survey, so not going to hold my breath or rush!

Fingers crossed for you...!!! Hope you have good news next week!

nicole_94

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

nicole_94 said:

annetheman said:

Sadly, this announcement was rebuffed by UKF director the BSA - they did not consent to be included in it before Jenrick posted it.

Your building might still require EWS1 for most lenders due to attachments (balconies).

*EDIT TO ADD* I just saw you're going with Leeds, me too! Best of luck. Here is their criteria as it pertains to EWS1: https://www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk/_resources/pdfs/intermediaries-pdfs/lbs_cladding_on_flats.pdf so if the balconies have e.g. timber or composite decking, it will very likely require it. I'm guessing the A3 means it does (generally, BS8414-approved aluminium decking is the component on balconies that won't need it, very few modern developments have it though, because it's expensive AF and developers usually go for the cheaper compliant option).

Here's another active thread about this: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6217523/govt-makes-haphazard-attempt-to-alleviate-some-of-the-blockages-in-flat-sales-mess-caused-by-ews1/p1

are you buying flat as well? I have been applying since July, been through different lenders. It is really a nightmare for me.
What is your status of application with Leeds? I just submitted last Friday through my broker.

Yes, a flat. LBS themselves have been great, underwriting was done very quickly and they said pending the EWS1 is satisfactory, they would be okay to proceed given valuer sign-off. This was back in Sep though, since cancelled my app due to broker not responding... So going with another broker! They have offered to reopen the app upon payment of £70 fee and completed EWS1, plus updated evidence I sent before. So, not a disaster...

But my flat is in a <18m (4 storey) brick-clad new building, completed 2019, with timber composite-decked balconies.

So EWS1 is required.

Best of luck - what type of building is yours in? 

If you can get a copy of EWS1 it would be very helpful for you, because depending on what the issue is, A3 can be mitigated against with lender.

Virtually all modern (1995-2020) buildings have cladding, so you may mean your building is brick-clad, in which case surveyor may have given A3 because they cannot be sure that the materials within the insulation layer of the external wall system are non-combustible as per consolidated Jan 2020 MHCLG advice notes. This is a bigger problem.

I may however be that the balconies alone are the cause of the A3 rating. If they are the only issue, replacing decking is far far far far cheaper and easily remediated in comparison with combustible insulation in the EWS, for example. Valuers can be given supplementary evidence of remediation plans and could give the valuation to lend on the proviso the freeholder doesn't pass the costs onto the leaseholders/you. I know of at least one person who managed to remortgage this way.

Ah ! my flat is the same too, new build year 2020, brick clad with timber balcony. 
Previous lender, Skipton, required EWS1 form because their surveyor stated that the building incorporates a cladding system/balconies that may contain combustible material. 
I think I will approach the mortgage broker and get the EWS1 form and find out more information.
Thank you for sharing this with me! Hopefully you will get your home soon ! 🤞🙏

No problem! If I find out anything else I will share with you, but you've chosen a good lender, I think. They have been great and offering to reopen my application due to the EWS1 taking so long is unheard of. So if they need any supporting materials etc for your building, I think they will be patient with you just don't not answer them, like my  soon-to-be-ex broker did!!! 

Can I ask how long it took for you to get the EWS1 form, from the date of the survey?

Just had a chat with my broker. She told me that my valuation is next Monday. So, let's see what is the outcome. My EWS1 form just mentions A3 rating, but does not specify the remedial work is for balcony or the insulation in wall. But we assume is the timber balcony. So finger crossed !

I hope it is, there are far more options I think for agreement with a lender if it is just the balconies and it'd obviously be a relief knowing the building is safe once the (relatively) small job of remediating the balconies is done.

I'm submitting a new Leeds application, too - but EWS1 looking like it'll take at least 6 months from the date of survey, so not going to hold my breath or rush!

Fingers crossed for you...!!! Hope you have good news next week!

yup. thank you. hopefully they can accept my application this time 🙏 I am satisfied with Leeds' service, unexpectedly quick compared to other lenders 👍

ScottL45

I'm trying to sell a flat that's in a 3 storey high block (approx 9m high) with a timber cladding on the front elevation only so awaiting as to whether EWS1 form required but by the sounds of it, it is!  Are all lenders requiring this on all flats like this?

nicole_94

ScottL45 said:

I'm trying to sell a flat that's in a 3 storey high block (approx 9m high) with a timber cladding on the front elevation only so awaiting as to whether EWS1 form required but by the sounds of it, it is!  Are all lenders requiring this on all flats like this?

Not quite sure. Probably need to clarify with the lenders. Different lenders have different criteria. Valuer would ask for a EWS1 form other than cladding. It is a document about fire safety in general.

annetheman

So I found something useful, specific to Shared Ownership but can probably be used as an indicator for buying leasehold flats in general - a list of lenders and their EWS1/fire risk assessment requirements, as of September 2020:

https://censeo-financial.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Shared-Ownership-Lenders-Sep-20201.pdf

I've actually decided not to reapply with Leeds but to go with Darlington, who are new to Shared Ownership - they will likely want an EWS1 as well (I won't buy without one, in any case), but it's in the process... My broker said they are slow but I'm not in a rush so... wish me luck!

Hope that helps you too @ScottL45