Mortgage advice for leaseholders living in apartment blocks
New government safety guidelines are impacting some individuals who live in apartment blocks the ability to remortgage, staircase or sell their home. If this applies to you, we’re here to explain how the new process works.
Things to consider before applying to remortgage, staircase or sell your home
Since mid-2019, some mortgage lenders have been asking people for proof that their building meets new government safety guidelines. Unfortunately, in some cases, this means that it's become difficult to remortgage, staircase or sell your home.
Lenders will also have their own criteria for what they accept as proof. For example, some lenders ask for an EWS1 certificate whilst others may request a different type of documentation. In most cases, your building will have to be inspected to provide the information they need.
Each case is unique and you may be able to secure a mortgage, even if you don't have an EWS1 form yet. However, we strongly recommend you speak to your lender or mortgage broker before applying to ensure you do not incur any unnecessary valuation or solicitor's costs.
You'll also need to instruct an independent surveyor who is qualified by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to complete a valuation report. We have a panel of experienced surveyors who can help you – and they provide very competitive rates to L&Q residents.
View our Panel of surveyors (PDF).
Frequently asked questions about EWS1 and building inspections
- What is an EWS1 certificate?An EWS1 certificate is awarded after an inspection of a building. It rates a building’s safety in relation to the external wall system (EWS), looking at what the building is made of.
The certificate will rate buildings on a scale, depending on whether any work is required to bring the building up to new safety standards.
Many lenders are asking for an EWS1 certificate, before providing a mortgage. This is because they want to be certain that the valuation is accurate.
According to government guidance, an EWS1 should only be requested for buildings that are:- higher than 18m tall
- higher than six storeys tall with cladding or stacked balconies made from combustible material
- between five and six storeys tall, with a significant amount of cladding, with specific types of cladding (such as the type used in Grenfell) or stacked balconies made from combustible material
- four storeys tall or lower with specific types of cladding (such as the type used in Grenfell)
- Why might a building not require an EWS1?An EWS1 certificate is only required for buildings:
- higher than 18 metres tall
- higher than six storeys tall with cladding or stacked balconies made from combustible material
- between five and six storeys tall, with a significant amount of cladding, with specific types of cladding (such as the type used in Grenfell) or stacked balconies made from combustible material
- four storeys tall or lower with specific types of cladding (such as the type used in Grenfell)
We’d like to remind you that not requiring an EWS1 does not mean that your building will not be inspected as part of our fire safety programme. We’ll let you know if your building requires inspection. - When will my building be inspected?We’re undertaking one of the UK’s largest building safety inspection programmes to make sure that our buildings meet the government’s latest building safety advice.
Our inspection of buildings higher than 18 meters tall is already underway and all residents in these buildings will have received a letter with details about the inspection.
If you’ve not received this letter, then you may fall into our second category of buildings below 18 meters in height.
Buildings below 18 metres in height are being inspected in order of risk, based on an initial assessment.
We’re writing to residents in these blocks, providing them with a three-month inspection window. You’ll receive your letter as we get closer to the inspection dates. - When will I get the EWS1 certificate?An EWS1 certificate can only be produced by a qualified professional, of which there is a national shortage. Therefore, our initial inspections will not always immediately secure an EWS1 certificate.
The initial inspection may inform us about what remedial work is required to obtain one. Should the inspection reveal no work is required, and where applicable, we’ll schedule an EWS1 inspection as soon as possible.
If remediation work is needed, we can only secure the EWS1 certificate after the work is complete. - Can I get a mortgage if the building needs repair?Each lender has different criteria and each case is unique.
Some lenders are willing to accept a letter of assurance from us. This letter outlines any work required, as well as who is liable for remediation costs.
If your lender is happy to accept our letter of assurance, please email our Fire Safety Engagement team.