Areas covered
EWS1 areas covered across UK cities and towns
Send an enquiry about the external wall system on your block of flats. There is no charge to ask, and a specialist firm will reply with what happens next for your home.
Where EWS1 surveys take place
Why location matters for an external wall survey
A building in Manchester faces different weather and planning rules than one in London. The specialist firm carrying out the inspection knows the local housing stock, the types of cladding common in each area and how mortgage lenders treat buildings there.
Every city page on this site explains what happens when a flat owner needs an [EWS1 form](/). The process starts with an enquiry and leads to a visit from a surveyor who holds membership of a recognised professional body such as RICS or IFE. They examine the outside walls, balconies and attachments.
If you live in a block of flats and a buyer or lender has asked for paperwork, find your city below. Each page describes what the specialist firm does locally and what you should expect before, during and after the visit.
North West and Yorkshire cities
Flats in Manchester often sit in converted mills or newer developments near the canal network. An [EWS1 survey in Manchester](/cities/manchester) covers the specific cladding materials used in those buildings.
In Leeds, many leaseholders sell flats in the city centre towers. The [EWS1 form process in Leeds](/cities/leeds) follows the same national standard but accounts for the types of render and insulation panels common in West Yorkshire.
Bradford has its own mix of older stone blocks and modern builds. A [certificate in Bradford](/cities/bradford) tells a buyer whether the external walls meet current fire safety expectations.
Sheffield leaseholders arranging a sale can read about [finding a surveyor in Sheffield](/cities/sheffield) and what the assessment involves.
Liverpool has seen significant waterfront development over the last twenty years. An [EWS1 survey in Liverpool](/cities/liverpool) checks the composite panels and balcony structures typical of those waterside homes.
Midlands, North East and London
Birmingham has a large number of mid-rise and high-rise blocks. Flat owners selling there need to know [who requires an EWS1 form in Birmingham](/cities/birmingham) and how long the inspection takes.
Newcastle leaseholders face similar questions. The steps for an [assessment in Newcastle](/cities/newcastle) outline what the specialist firm looks at and how the final document reaches the buyer's solicitor.
London contains more flats needing this paperwork than any other UK city. Arranging [checks on a London block](/cities/london) means dealing with taller buildings, more complex wall systems and stricter lender requirements. The specialist firm handles all of that during the visit.
Southern cities and Wales
Norwich has smaller blocks, but lenders still ask for proof of fire safety. Checks before [selling a flat in Norwich](/cities/norwich) follow the same format as larger cities.
Southampton's waterside developments use specific cladding types. A [survey in Southampton](/cities/southampton) addresses the materials found near the docks and marinas.
Bristol flat owners selling their homes need to understand how a [certificate affects mortgages in Bristol](/cities/bristol). Lenders look at the rating before approving a loan.
Cardiff Bay and the city centre contain many apartments built during the regeneration period. [Cladding checks in Cardiff](/cities/cardiff) cover those specific construction methods and help leaseholders move forward with a sale.
What happens after you choose your area
Once you have read the page for your city, you will know what the specialist firm inspects and why. The next step is usually an [EWS1 assessment](/ews1-assessment), which includes the physical checks and the paperwork that follows.
The surveyor produces an [EWS1 report](/ews1-report) detailing what they found. That document carries a rating. Most buyers hope for an A1, A2 or A3 result, which [these rating guides explain](/ratings/a1-a2-a3-ratings-explained). A B1 or B2 rating means something combustible was found, and [those outcomes carry different implications](/ratings/b1-and-b2-ratings-explained).
If you are unsure whether your home needs this at all, read about [how to check if your building requires a form](/ratings/do-i-need-an-ews1-form). Lender rules change, so it helps to know [whether banks still accept these documents](/ratings/lender-acceptance) and [if the requirement remains in place](/ratings/are-ews1-forms-still-needed).
Tell us where your flat is
Send your postcode and a brief note about your home. A specialist firm will reply with what the survey involves. This does not commit you to anything or cost you money.
- No obligation to proceed
- No fee to enquire
- Replies from specialists
Areas covered
- Manchester
An EWS1 survey in Manchester looks at cladding, balconies and insulation on blocks of flats. Find out what the inspection covers and who can sign the form.
- Leeds
An EWS1 form for a Leeds flat records how the external walls and cladding were assessed. Find out which blocks need one and what happens next.
- Bradford
An EWS1 certificate for a Bradford block sets out the A or B rating given to the external walls, and how long it lasts. See what that means for a sale.
- Sheffield
An EWS1 surveyor in Sheffield inspects the external walls and cladding of a block and signs the form. Read what to have ready before the assessment starts.
- Liverpool
An EWS1 survey in Liverpool looks at cladding, insulation and balconies on taller blocks. See what the inspection involves and who can request one.
- Birmingham
An EWS1 form in Birmingham sets out how the external walls of a block were assessed. Learn who needs one, what the ratings mean and how to arrange it.
- Newcastle
An EWS1 assessment in Newcastle looks at the external walls, cladding and balconies of a block. See what the checks involve and what paperwork follows.
- London
An EWS1 survey in London checks the external walls, cladding and balconies of a block. Find out what the inspection covers and what the rating means.
- Norwich
Selling or remortgaging a flat in Norwich can mean an EWS1 form is asked for. See when one applies, what the ratings mean and how to arrange an assessment.
- Southampton
An EWS1 survey in Southampton looks at cladding, balconies and insulation on blocks of flats, and sets the rating a lender asks for before a sale.
- Bristol
An EWS1 certificate in Bristol gives a block a rating from A1 to B2. Find out what the assessment covers, how long it lasts and how lenders use it.
- Cardiff
An EWS1 form in Cardiff records how the outside walls of a block were checked. See which buildings need one and what each rating means for a flat sale.