RICS has published a second edition of the Secured lending valuation in multi-storey, multi-occupancy residential buildings with cladding standard. It sets out updated proportionate criteria for valuers undertaking valuations for secured lending purposes on domestic residential blocks of flats that are four storeys or less, in the UK.
It has been produced to help valuers understand when an EWS1 form should be required due to visible cladding. Whilst specifically targeted at UK valuers, the guidance will be useful for all stakeholders involved in the buying and selling of residential properties with cladding.
The development of this standard was supported with input from our expert group, comprised of industry professionals such as representatives from MHCLG; lenders such as Nationwide, Barclays and HSBC and; valuers from firms such as SDL Surveying, L&G Survey, Countrywide and e.surv.
The second edition of this professional standard will also provide valuers with the proportionate criteria for identifying buildings where remediation work to cladding for fire safety purposes is likely to be required. It reflects the latest government legislation and best practice, as well as updates to RICS valuation standards: RICS Valuation – Global Standards: UK national supplement and RICS Valuation – Global Standards (Red Book Global Standards).
As fire safety and robust valuation advice are critical public interest matters, this second edition will help ensure exceptional standards and professionalism amongst RICS members and valuers.
Please note, this standard is not intended to be, nor should it ever be used as, a substitute for or part of a professional life safety fire risk assessment of any building. The EWS1 form is not a safety certificate and the fact that an EWS1 form is not required for a particular building does not mean that the building may not require some form of remediation in the future.
This standard is effective from 1 November 2026.
Downloads
Criteria where an EWS1 is required
A valuer should always have a rationale to justify the request for an EWS1 form. Our decision tree will take you through the criteria covered in the professional standard to help you arrive at a decision.
These criteria are guidance and professional judgement will need to be applied.
