Who pays for the EWS1?

Freeholder/Accountable Person responsible for commissioning. Cost typically charged via service charge across all leaseholders. Building Safety Act 2022 leaseholder protections cap recoverable costs for non-qualifying remediation — see Right to Manage / leasehold reform legal advice.

What if my building has a B2 rating?

Remediation required before mortgageable. Building Safety Fund (BSF) covers ACM + HPL + certain other cladding remediation on qualifying buildings (18m+, residential, BSF-eligible). Most B2 cases now in remediation pipeline. Cladding Safety Scheme covers 11–18m buildings. Speak to RTM/freeholder + Homes England BSF/CSS.

Does EWS1 apply to a house?

No — EWS1 is multi-occupancy flat building specific. Single houses not in scope. Detached and semi-detached houses with non-combustible external walls (brick, render on masonry) outside scope regardless.

EWS1 Form London Flat 2026 | Builderr

Do I Need an EWS1 Form to Renovate or Sell My London Flat?

EWS1 (External Wall Survey form) required by mortgage lenders for sale/remortgage of flats in residential buildings 18m+ tall (some lenders demand 11m+ post-2022). Survey by RICS chartered Fire Engineer (RIBA equivalent), £1,250–£3,850. Valid 5 years. Ratings: A1/A2/A3 (compliant materials), B1 (compliant despite combustible elements), B2 (remedial work required). B2 = unsellable until remediated.

When EWS1 is mandatory

RICS guidance + lender requirements: EWS1 required for any flat in residential building 18m+ in height (UK Finance / RICS guidance January 2020 + updated 2022). Some lenders (Nationwide, Barclays) extend to 11m+ buildings or any building with EPS render / ACM cladding / HPL panels regardless of height. EWS1 covers whole building (one EWS1 per block), valid 5 years. Mortgage lender will not lend without EWS1 in scope buildings. Sale conveyancing flag from buyer's solicitor will block exchange. Some flats unsellable since 2020 (no survey done; freeholder unwilling to commission; cost dispute).

Survey process + cost

Commissioned by freeholder/Accountable Person (not individual leaseholder — though leaseholder can demand under Building Safety Act 2022 amendments). Surveyor must be RICS chartered Fire Engineer or registered with PCA. Survey scope: visual + intrusive inspection of external wall build-up (façade + insulation + cavity barriers + balconies + windows + spandrels); photographs; product identification; combustibility classification (Euroclass A1/A2/B/C/D/E/F). Reports A1/A2/A3 (fully compliant), B1 (combustible but adequate cavity barriers + fire strategy mitigate), B2 (combustible + inadequate mitigation — remediation required). Cost £1,250–£3,850 per block typical; complex buildings £8,500–£35,000. Building Safety Fund covers some remediation costs for qualifying buildings.

What renovation means for EWS1

Internal-only flat refurbishment (no façade work) does NOT invalidate EWS1. Any work affecting external wall (window replacement, façade alteration, balcony work, vent installation, condenser/AC bracket fixing) requires Accountable Person consent + may require new EWS1. Builderr does not work on HRBs but for flats in 11–18m blocks where EWS1 applies: (1) check existing EWS1 with freeholder before quoting; (2) any external work pre-cleared with Accountable Person + may need re-survey at completion; (3) golden thread updated. Most Builderr flat clients are in 2–4 storey Victorian conversions outside EWS1 scope.