Guidance for customers impacted by properties with potentially unsafe external wall systems

6th April 2021

Following newly published guidance by RICS, we’ve set out our approach for new and existing customers impacted by potentially unsafe EWS, including cladding and balconies.

Guidance for existing customers

We are here to support our existing customers who have a mortgage on a property that is impacted by potentially unsafe external wall systems. When their current mortgage deals ends we will offer a new mortgage product, just as we always would.

For changes to an existing Clydesdale mortgage, we will assess each case based on individual circumstances. As a responsible lender, any applications for additional borrowing from customers impacted by unsafe EWS will be carefully considered before a decision is made.

Guidance for new customers

For new mortgage applications, we will assess each case based on individual circumstances. As a responsible lender, any new applications from customers impacted by potentially unsafe EWS will be carefully considered before a decision is made.

For new lending applications, the bank’s valuers will advise when a completed External Wall Fire Review form (EWS1 form) is required in line with RICS guidance. This form will confirm that the EWS has been assessed for safety by a suitable expert, and enable us or our valuers to identify whether the case can be progressed (with an A1, A2 or B1 rating). Where a valuer has fire safety concerns with a building, the property will be declined until we or our valuers have seen an acceptable EWS1 form.

The form is the responsibility of the building owner (property owner in Scotland) to undertake. They must appoint a suitably qualified member of one of the appropriate professional bodies to complete, sign and upload the form to the online Building Safety Portal which is hosted by the FIA.Virgin Money and our surveyors are not responsible for the information that is captured within the EWS1 form. We will only accept EWS1 forms which are completed and held on the portal. They should not be sent to us. Therefore please ensure that the organisation appointed to complete the EWS1 form is willing to upload it to the Building Safety Portal or your client may face disappointment as we will be unable to lend.

For any other questions relating to EWS please refer to the FAQs provided by RICS.

If you have any questions about how we can support customers, please get in touch with your Business Development Manager.