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External Wall Survey Services for Flats and Blocks
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For flat owners

EWS1 certificate: ratings, validity and lenders

Find out what a signed external wall form for sale covers and whether your block already has one. Send an enquiry to get answers without any cost or obligation to proceed.

Ask about your flat Read the process

What goes on an EWS1 certificate in ews1 forms

The document records what a competent person found when they inspected the outside of the building, and it sets that finding as a rating.

  • Building details and materials The specialist firm notes the address, the height of the block and the materials used on the external walls, balconies and attachments.
  • The rating given A signatory selects A1, A2, A3, B1 or B2 based on what they saw during the inspection and any testing carried out.
  • Signature and date An EWS1 certificate in [EWS1 forms](/) is the signed external wall form for sale or remortgage.
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How the certificate is produced

Getting a signed form involves several distinct stages handled by separate specialist firms from start to finish.

  1. fitting cladding to high rise building uk

    Initial check

    The specialist firm reviews building plans and construction records before visiting the site to see what needs inspecting.

  2. fitting cladding to high rise building uk

    Site inspection

    An EWS1 surveyor examines the cladding, insulation and balcony materials to determine fire risk across the block.

  3. brown and white concrete building under blue sky during daytime

    Signing the form

    A fire safety professional writes up their findings and signs the completed EWS1 certificate once the assessment is finished.

Ratings you might see on the form

Each rating tells a lender something specific about the materials found on the outside of the block.

Captivating view of modern high-rise apartment buildings under a clear blue sky.

Combustible materials

A ratings (A1, A2, A3)
None found, or present in such small amounts they pose no concern.
B ratings (B1, B2)
Combustible materials are present on the external walls or balconies.

Lender view

A ratings (A1, A2, A3)
Mortgage applications usually proceed without further questions about the walls.
B ratings (B1, B2)
Some lenders may pause until remedial work is planned or finished.

Remedial work

A ratings (A1, A2, A3)
No action required on the external wall system itself.
B ratings (B1, B2)
Work may be needed to reduce fire risk before a sale completes.

A specialist advises which rating applies after inspecting the building and reviewing its construction materials.

Questions about getting a copy for your block

Leaseholders often need clarity on who holds the paperwork and how long it stays valid for sales.

Arranging and access

Who holds the original
Ask the freeholder or managing agent if a copy exists before paying for another.
Requesting new work
If the owner has not arranged an inspection, a leaseholder can commission one.
How long it lasts
Lenders typically accept the signed form for five years unless the wall system.

Validity and scope

Who holds the original
One document covers the whole building, so each leaseholder relies on the same.
Requesting new work
When work is flagged, the specialist details what must happen before a mortgage.
How long it lasts
Knowing how long it lasts helps avoid delays if you plan to sell or remortgage.

A specialist advises on whether an existing form remains acceptable or if a fresh inspection is now required.

Where these forms are arranged

Specialist firms carry out inspections and produce signed documents for blocks across England and Wales. Enquiries are taken for flats in cities where demand for mortgage-ready paperwork is high.

If your town is not listed, send an enquiry to find out whether coverage extends to your area.

Ask about the form for your home

Send the details of your block and what you need to know. The enquiry goes to a specialist firm who handles the work, with no obligation to buy anything from this site.

  • No fee to enquire
  • No obligation to proceed
  • Handled by specialists

These details are passed to a specialist, as the privacy page describes.

When your enquiry is passed on, the specialist may pay us for it, and you pay this website nothing. Our privacy notice says more about where your details go, which is to one independent specialist, and asking other firms to quote stays open to you.

Or email hello@ews1form.co.uk