What is ews certificate
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Facts
- EWS1 Form is mandatory for buildings over 18 meters high with multiple residential units in England and Wales
- The certificate must be completed by a surveyor and confirms external walls meet fire safety regulations
- Buildings with non-combustible walls receive a certificate more quickly, while combustible materials require remediation
- The EWS1 certificate is needed for mortgage applications, sales, and refinancing of affected properties
- Cost of EWS assessments typically ranges from £1,000 to £5,000 depending on building size and complexity
Overview
The EWS1 Form, commonly referred to as an EWS certificate, is a fire safety assessment document introduced in England following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy. This mandatory certification applies to buildings over 18 meters or 7 or more stories containing flats. The certificate verifies that external walls are constructed of materials meeting the Building Safety Bill's requirements.
Legal Requirements
The EWS1 Form became mandatory in December 2018 for buildings in England containing flats. Buildings over 18 meters must have an EWS certificate before they can be sold, mortgaged, or refinanced. The assessment must be conducted by a qualified surveyor registered with appropriate professional bodies. Failure to obtain an EWS certificate can result in legal liability and prevent property transactions.
Assessment Process
Surveyors conduct a detailed inspection of the building's external walls, materials, and construction methods. The assessment examines whether walls are constructed of non-combustible materials such as metal, concrete, or stone. If combustible materials like insulation with flammable cores are found, the building must remediate these issues before receiving clearance. The surveyor documents findings and issues either a compliant or non-compliant certificate.
Impact on Property Market
Many buildings were unable to obtain EWS certificates due to combustible wall construction, significantly impacting property values and marketability. Property owners were faced with expensive remediation costs, estimated at thousands to hundreds of thousands of pounds. The EWS certificate requirement has prompted widespread building safety programs across the UK.
Related Regulations
The EWS1 Form requirement is part of broader building safety regulations introduced after the Grenfell Tower fire. These regulations also include mandatory fire risk assessments, sprinkler systems in some buildings, and improved fire safety management. The regulations continue to evolve as the government implements the Building Safety Bill provisions.
Related Questions
What buildings need an EWS certificate?
Residential buildings over 18 meters (approximately 7+ stories) containing flats require an EWS certificate in England and Wales. Some exemptions apply to buildings with fewer than four units.
What happens if a building fails EWS certification?
Buildings with non-compliant external walls must undertake remediation work to replace combustible materials with non-combustible alternatives. Until this work is completed, the building may face restrictions on sales and mortgage availability.
How long is an EWS certificate valid?
EWS certificates do not have a formal expiration date, but they may become invalid if building work is undertaken that alters the external walls or if new regulations change requirements.