Issues selling due to lack of ESW1 form

BSW89

Hi all,
My sister is selling her shared ownership flat with a buyer lined up (who is actually a colleague of hers). 

The flat only has 3 storeys so is less than 18m (with only a small amount of cladding in one area).
The buyer’s lender is refusing to approve the mortgage without an ESW1 form, but the housing authority has said they are prioritising properties over 18m so my sister is unlikely to get one any time soon.
Anyone know if ALL lenders are insisting on this? If so, this is surely having a massive impact on the housing market!
Thank you

Adly812

A Google search on RICS website will give you a lot of information about EWS1 forms. The EWS process/ form is for building owners to undertake. Both sellers and buyers should be in contact with the building owner or their agent to ensure this takes place as quickly as possible.

The seller can request that their building owner or managing agent commission an EWS assessment, and / or enquire as to the make-up of the wall system. The building owner or managing agent is responsible for confirming what materials are on their building, and in respect to the EWS1 form, the person responsible for the building needs to confirm what the wall system is made up of and whether an assessment is required.

Lenders have different criteria, so no not all lenders are requesting the form, it’s worth you researching what individual lenders are asking for 

theartfullodger

Similar happened to me (2 storey semi).  Hired a surveyor, £1440 (!),  probably took  a few minutes, got certificate, passed to buyer, sorted.  September 2020.

Your choice.  

Another disgraceful screw up by the Tories, Grenfell inquiry still not done.  Construction industry thought by many so corrupt.  Guess with party they donate to.

firsttimesellerldn

Definitely not being insisted on by all lenders for blocks which shouldn’t be in scope according to RICS. I’d recommend asking the buyer if they will try another lender, if it is out of scope based on the new guidance. My buyer did this as their first lender asked for an EWS1 even though my block is out of scope (solid brick clad), and their next lender was fine with it. 

[Deleted User]

New guidance apparently agreed by RCIS, lenders and others - regarding whether EWS1 needed is due on 1st April, although drafts / consultation is already available online. 

Under 4 stories it says no EWS1 

My son received a mortgage offer today from BARCLAYS - 3 stories- no EWS1 required. I had heard Barclays are sensible