Cladding and EWS1 in Manchester

Selling a flat affected by cladding or an EWS1 problem

When a building's safety paperwork holds up your sale, there are still options to talk through.

Where you might be

Mortgage lenders often want an external wall assessment, known as an EWS1 form, before lending on a flat in some buildings. Where that form is missing, or shows a problem, buyers who need a mortgage can disappear and a sale can stall for reasons that have nothing to do with you.

Common complications

Buyers cannot get a mortgage

Lenders may refuse until the building has the right paperwork.

Costs and responsibility

Who pays for remediation, and when, is often unclear.

Uncertain value

It is hard to set a price when the future cost is unknown.

How we can help

Tell us about the building

Name, age, height, and what you have been told about cladding or an EWS1.
Understand the offer

If we can, we set out how the building affects the figure.

What to prepare

Any EWS1 form or fire-safety report you hold
Letters from the freeholder or managing agent
Service charge demands, including any extra costs
Your lease length and ground rent

What to bear in mind

We may not be able to buy every affected building. Remediation costs and building-safety rules change, so any figure depends on the facts at the time. We do not give legal advice; a leasehold solicitor can explain your position.

This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Please speak to an independent solicitor or adviser about your own circumstances.

Questions you may have

What is an EWS1 form?

It is an assessment of a building's external walls that some lenders ask for before lending on a flat. Your managing agent or freeholder can tell you whether one exists.

Will the offer be low?

Building-safety issues usually affect the price. We explain how once we know the facts.

Areas we cover

Other situations

Start with your postcode

Free, with no obligation. It takes about two minutes.