Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed that it no longer requires an EWS1 form for properties in England that are five storeys or higher, effective from today.

The Group, which includes Halifax and Scottish Widows banks, made the change following the publication of new guidance from Rics and the Building Safety Act 2022 covering the funding to remediate cladding on these properties.

The route to funding for remediating these properties is locked in legislation as a result of the Building Safety Act 2022 meaning the majority of leaseholders (in England & 5 storey+) are protected from cladding remediation costs

To support this, Rics has published revised guidance for surveyors and valuers to use when assessing the value for lending purposes on these buildings

Lloyds chief executive, consumer lending Jas Singh, says: “We have worked closely with housebuilders and RICS to find a solution for homeowners, so we warmly welcome the updated guidance for valuers on homes with external cladding.

“While we have continued to lend on properties with cladding where possible, this move will really simplify things for those buying homes in properties five storeys or above (11m). We hope this will continue to open up the market for those in affected properties, bringing peace of mind to homeowners.”

The UK Finance Lender Handbook that conveyancers follow has also been updated to include the need for information (leaseholder and landlord certificates) to be collected from the sellers’ conveyancer.

UK Finance, Rics and the Building Society Association will publish a joint statement on the new guidance tomorrow morning.