Leaseholders who want to sell, re-mortgage or staircase

In many cases we’re finding that mortgage lenders are asking for EWS1 forms for any transaction, even when the building is less than 18 metres tall. This is causing problems for the leaseholders involved because EWS1 forms are not usually designed to be used for buildings under 18 metres tall.

On this page, where we refer to the 18m height demarcation, it is important to note that we are referring to the government's definition of "high-rise residential multi-occupied buildings of 18 metres or more in height, or more than 6 storeys (whichever is reached first)."

Unfortunately, while this situation continues, in many cases it may not be possible for affected leaseholders to re-mortgage, staircase or sell their homes.

This is a nationwide issue which is now affecting thousands of leaseholders. We know this includes some of our own leaseholders, and we are sorry for the upset and frustration that this must cause.

If you are concerned that your ability to re-mortgage, staircase or sell your home might be affected by these changes, we would encourage you to speak to your mortgage broker or financial advisor as not all lenders are taking the same approach and you may find another lender takes a different view.

My estate agent or lender is insisting I must have an EWS1 form for my building -  is it the case that Southern Housing Group is refusing to issue EWS1 forms on some buildings?

Understandably anyone wanting to move will be feeling frustrated to hear that an EWS1 form is not available for their building or that once we have completed the external wall system assessment for the building, we will not currently intending to be provide a specific EWS1 form but an equivalent, particularly if they are being advised by estate agents or mortgage brokers that the form is required.

We are hearing of different valuers applying different approaches to the same building. The situation is confusing and concerning for many leaseholders and we share your concerns.

This is a nationwide issue which is now affecting thousands of leaseholders. We know this includes some of our own leaseholders, and we are sorry for the upset and frustration that this must cause.

If you are concerned that your ability to re-mortgage, staircase or sell your home might be affected by these changes, we would encourage you to speak to your mortgage broker or financial advisor as not all lenders are taking the same approach and you may find another lender takes a different view. Please also get in touch with us, as there may be information that we can provide to a mortgage lender that may assist in the application process.

Remedial work

In some cases the external wall system assessment reveals that a building needs remedial work done to ensure it complies with the latest government guidelines. We will be working to get that work done before either an EWS1 form is issued. 

If any of these situations are affecting you it might be helpful to bear in mind that EWS1 forms are not issued or produced by the landlord of a building as a matter of course or as a simple administrative exercise. They are technical certificates issued by qualified specialists and should only be issued on buildings over 18m or where there are specific concerns about the external wall system, and even then the forms are only issued after a full inspection has been carried out by the expert.

Supplying EWS1 forms 

If we have an EWS1 form for a building we will always supply it to anyone who is in the process of selling or remortgaging. For all our other buildings we have completed the necessary external wall system assessment work required to provide appropriate assurance of compliance with the government's building safety guidelines, and have begun the process of undertaking remedial work where needed.

It is the carrying out of the external wall system assessment itself which is what lenders are actually seeking assurance about although many appear to be conflating the need to put a building through the assessment process with the provision of the form and simply asking for an EWS1 form which is leading to confusion. We appreciate how worrying it is for anyone caught in this situation, and are continuing to work with residents to find appropriate solutions.