Are you looking to sell your flat but need to know if the cladding on your building will pose a problem? You’re not alone. In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, building safety has become a significant priority for the UK government. Cladding is often at the forefront of these discussions.
This blog will cover everything you need to know about cladding, if you can sell a flat with cladding, and the steps you’ll need to take to do so.
What is Cladding?
Cladding is a material used to cover a building’s exterior to improve its appearance and energy efficiency. Some common cladding materials include:
- Metal
- Brick
- Stone
- Composite materials such as aluminium composite panels
Aluminium composite panels (APCs) have been in the news frequently due to their flammability, which was a leading factor in the Grenfell Tower fire. Because of this, the government has introduced new regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of buildings with cladding and that another tragedy is avoided.
The regulations and guidelines around cladding are still evolving. It’s possible that the government may introduce new standards or requirements in the future.
Can I Sell My Flat With Cladding?
The short answer is yes. You can still sell your flat if it has cladding. However, it’s essential to be aware that the process might be more complex and take longer than selling a flat without cladding. The presence of cladding could make it harder for buyers to secure a mortgage, and buyers might be reluctant to purchase a flat with cladding due to safety concerns.
Moreover, if your flat has cladding that has been deemed unsafe, it may need to be removed and replaced before starting the process of selling your flat. This process can be costly and time-consuming, so factor it in when planning to sell your flat is vital. It may also require negotiating with the leaseholder or other flat owners in the building to work together to replace the unsafe cladding.
Along with these challenges, the presence of cladding on a building might have an impact on the flat’s value. It’s worth taking some time to research recent sales of similar properties to get an idea of how your flat might be valued in the current market. As a seller, you might need to adjust your price expectations to account for the additional costs and risks of purchasing a property with cladding.
Selling a flat with dangerous cladding might leave you subject to legal action. There is also the potential for legal issues to arise, particularly if your building has been identified as having unsafe cladding. You must be transparent with potential buyers about any known problems with the cladding and seek legal advice if you are concerned about your liability.
Ultimately, selling your flat with cladding requires some consideration and planning. It is also worth getting an ESW1 form to verify that the cladding on your building is safe.
What is an ESW1 Form?
An External Wall System (EWS) refers to the outer part of the building, which includes cladding and any other components such as insulation. The EWS1 form is a certificate that verifies that the building’s external wall system has been assessed by a qualified professional and meets current safety standards.
The form was introduced by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in December 2019, as a response to safety concerns regarding buildings following the Grenfell Tower fire.
This form is part of the government’s efforts since the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017 to ensure that buildings with cladding comply with regulations and are safe for people to live in. It is intended to provide assurance to building owners, residents, and potential buyers that the external wall system of a building has been deemed safe.
How to Get an ESW1 Form
If you want to sell a flat with cladding, you may need to get an ESW1 form. Providing this form to potential buyers gives them and their lenders proof that the building has been assessed and meets current safety standards, making it easier to sell your flat.
To get an ESW1 form, you must hire a qualified professional to assess the buildings’ external wall system. Typically, a building surveyor familiar with the government’s guidelines regarding cladding safety is the best professional for the job. You can ask for recommendations from your local council or other building owners in your area who have obtained an ESW1 form recently. The assessment may include a visual inspection, material testing, and other evaluations to determine the safety of the cladding and the other components.
Once the assessment is complete, the qualified professional will issue an ESW1 form if the building meets safety standards. On the other hand, if the building falls short of current safety regulations, it may be necessary to make repairs to or upgrade the external wall system before the surveyor can issue an ESW1 form.
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