EWS1 FAQs

An EWS1 form provides assurance for lenders, valuers, residents, buyers and sellers. This is not a legal requirement, but some lenders request the EWS1 form before they will consider offering a mortgage.

The EWS1 form applies only to flats and is relevant to you if you’re a leaseholder or shared owner who wants to staircase (buy a greater share of your property), remortgage, or sell your property.

We have proactively identified relevant blocks and carried out EWS1 inspections as necessary where Sovereign is the building owner/manager. We are also collecting EWS1 forms for blocks where 3^rd party management companies are present.

If an EWS1 form states that a building requires remedial work, it can take time to do – sometimes months or even years.

If further work is required, Sovereign will complete this, prioritising our higher risk buildings. There may be costs payable by leaseholders in accordance with the terms of their lease. But we’ll explore all options available, including contacting developers and warranty providers where possible. 

Leaseholders also have some protections from the costs of building safety remediation works under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the associated Developer Remediation Contract.

Lenders will only accept an EWS1 form from an independent, approved assessor.

Some home owners live in blocks that Sovereign doesn’t own, or where we aren’t responsible for the building’s structure. In these instances, it’s the responsibility of the freeholder, Management Company or appointed managing agent to obtain EWS1 assessments. But, where necessary, we’ll liaise with them on your behalf to try and obtain the form.

No, the forms need to be completed by the owner of the building, or the person responsible for the building’s structure.

No, each lender has its own requirements.

If you’ve been asked by your lender to provide an EWS1 form, or would like more information, please contact your Home Ownership Team.

The following websites have useful further detail:

• RICS website: EWS cladding Q&A
• UK Parliament website: External wall fire review process