Buying or Remortgaging a Flat with Cladding? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

There’s a certain look people have when they first bring this up.

A mix of confusion, frustration… and if I’m honest, a bit of worry.

And I completely understand why.

Since the Grenfell Tower fire, the rules around flats — especially those in taller buildings with cladding — have changed significantly. Not overnight, and not always clearly, but enough to leave a lot of people stuck or unsure where they stand.

I’ve had more and more conversations recently with clients who either already own a flat with cladding, or are considering buying one. And the same questions come up time and again.

“Can I even get a mortgage on this?”
“Will lenders touch it?”
“What’s this EWS1 thing everyone keeps mentioning?”

Let me walk you through it in plain English.

What changed… and why it matters

After Grenfell, lenders quite rightly became far more cautious.

They needed a way to understand whether a building’s external walls — including cladding — were safe. That’s where the EWS1 form came in.

Now, here’s something many people don’t realise…

An EWS1 form isn’t actually a legal requirement. It’s something lenders use to help them assess risk when deciding whether to lend.

And that distinction matters.

Because in practice, if a lender wants one and it isn’t available… the mortgage can simply stop there.

When is an EWS1 needed?

Buildings over 18 metres (roughly 6 storeys): usually need an EWS1 
Between 11m and 18m: sometimes required 
Under 11m: often not required — but some lenders still ask 

What the EWS1 result actually means

A1 / A2 – No significant risk 
B1 – Acceptable 
B2 – Remedial work needed 

The good news

Lenders have become more flexible in recent years.

Many will now consider lending if remediation is planned, or supporting evidence is available.

Where people get caught out

Delays can come from EWS1 availability, remediation uncertainty, and lender criteria.

Where a good adviser makes all the difference

This is where experience counts — knowing which lenders to approach and how to present the case.

Final thoughts

Don’t assume it’s impossible — but don’t assume it’s easy either.

Get clarity early and speak to someone experienced.

Ian Rogers 
C A Mortgage Services 

You can start by checking your credit report which is free* for thirty days and you can cancel anytime right here.

Try it *FREE for 7 days, then £14.99 a month – cancel online anytime.

Ian Rogers: 07780925185