EWS1 - requested for building under 18m

newdriver101

Hello All

I am stuck in an impasse and wondered if anyone has a possible solution.

I am trying to remortgage. I live in a block of flats with 3 floors (I'm on 2nd).  Surveyor has requested an EWS1 form but my freeholder insists there are no cladding issues and has refused to provide this as they are not required to (as the building is under 18m).

Lender is insisting on this EWS1 form as it has been requested by surveyor but freeholder will not budge as it has no legal obligation to provide this.  I understand the request can only come from a freeholder - a leaseholder cannot instruct a surveyor to do this.

Does anyone know if there is any way around this????!!

Thanks in advance

K_S

@newdriver101 The 18m is simply guidance and unfortunately valuers can still insist on an EWS1 even for a two storey flat if in their opinion there's a fire risk. See the Leeds matrix below.

Have any of the other flat owners in the block remortgaged recently? Any recent sales in the block? Any possibility of staying with the current lender and simply doing a product-switch?

Occasionally, valuers do make mistakes and requests like these can be reversed with sufficient evidence, but it's more the exception than the norm.

Alternatively, you could try with another lender that uses a different surveyor panel and offers a free valuation and see what they come back with. If that surveyor also insists on an EWS1 then perhaps you may be out of options.

newdriver101

Thanks KS.
It looks like I am out of options!!  I was trying to do a product switch with additional borrowing (had previously tried a remortgage with another bank + they called in a surveyor who raised the EWS1 issue).  I thought I might have better luck with my own bank but they too requested a physical survey (same surveyor company).  Their reasoning was I only had a desktop valuation when I remortgaged to them during lockdown.
Will just stick to the product switch for now + try to get a loan separately.
Thanks again for your thoughts + the matrix!

K_S

@newdriver101 Sorry to hear that. Personally, I would try one more lender that uses a different surveyor panel before giving up.

Unless your block is very evidently covered in flammable material, valuations can be quite subjective, especially with a very low-rise block.