External Wall Survey (RICS EWS1)
RICS EWS1 assessments for residential buildings — enabling mortgage lending, property sales, and remortgaging where external wall systems require professional sign-off.
What is an EWS1 Form?
The EWS1 (External Wall System) form is a RICS-developed assessment process that allows a qualified professional to confirm whether the external wall construction of a residential building is safe. It was introduced following the Grenfell Tower fire to address concerns about cladding and external wall systems on multi-storey residential buildings.
An EWS1 form is typically required by mortgage lenders before they will lend on flats or apartments in buildings where there are concerns about the external wall system. At Samson Consultants, our qualified assessors carry out EWS1 assessments in accordance with RICS guidance, providing the documentation lenders and buyers need to proceed with confidence.
When is an EWS1 Assessment Required?
- Selling or remortgaging a flat in a multi-storey residential building
- Mortgage lender requests an EWS1 form before lending
- Buildings with cladding, balconies, or combustible materials on the external wall
- Buildings over 11 metres where the lender requires confirmation of safety
- Shared ownership staircasing or resale transactions
- Help to Buy equity loan redemptions
- Buildings subject to a building safety remediation programme
- Due diligence prior to acquisition of a residential block
EWS1 Outcomes Explained
The EWS1 form records one of two pathway outcomes, each with sub-categories:
Pathway A — No Combustible Cladding
The external wall system does not include combustible cladding materials. Sub-categories A1, A2, and A3 reflect the level of risk associated with attachments such as balconies and solar panels. An A1 or A2 outcome typically satisfies lender requirements without further remediation.
Pathway B — Combustible Cladding Present
The external wall system includes combustible materials. Sub-categories B1 and B2 indicate whether the risk is acceptable or whether remediation is required. A B2 outcome means the building requires remediation before mortgage lending can proceed.
Our EWS1 Assessment Process
- Initial desktop review of available building information and drawings
- Site inspection of the external wall system and attachments
- Assessment of cladding materials, insulation, and fire stopping
- Review of any existing fire risk assessments or remediation plans
- Completion of the RICS EWS1 form by a qualified assessor
- Provision of supporting documentation for lenders and solicitors
Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced new duties for building owners and managers of higher-risk buildings (over 18 metres or 7 storeys). Our surveyors are fully up to date with the Act's requirements and can advise on how EWS1 assessments interact with the new building safety regime, including the role of the Building Safety Regulator and the requirements for a Building Safety Case.