Unsafe cladding

Information for existing customers

If you have a Virgin Money mortgage on a property that is impacted by potentially unsafe External Wall Systems (which include cladding and balconies), we are here to support you.

What will happen to my mortgage in future?

When you come to the end of your current mortgage deal, we will offer you a new mortgage product, just as we always would. This means that whilst you may have to keep your mortgage with us until any External Wall Systems (EWS) safety issues are resolved, you will be able get a new mortgage deal.

Once your EWS is replaced and certified as safe, you will be able to apply to move your mortgage to another lender, if you wish to.

Can I borrow additional funds?

As a responsible lender, any applications for additional borrowing from customers impacted by potentially unsafe EWS will be carefully considered before a decision is made. We would consider each customer’s individual circumstances. If the funds were required to carry out the necessary remedial works, further information would be required from the building’s owner in order to make an assessment.

Can I sell my property?

Buildings with potentially unsafe EWS will be difficult to sell until the fire safety status is known and any remedial work (if required) is underway (and funded) or completed. This is because potential buyers may have uncertainty around the risks associated with the EWS, and mortgage lenders won't lend on a property without a certified valuation detailing the safety of the EWS. A completed External Wall Fire Review form, known as an EWS1 form, may be required.

What is an EWS1 or External Wall Fire Review form?

The assessment of a building’s External Wall System (EWS) enables a building owner to confirm that their EWS has been assessed for safety by a suitable expert. Where a valuer has fire safety concerns with a building, they’ll decline the property until they receive an EWS1 form.

The EWS1 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 and sign the form. The form will allow our valuer firm to conduct a valuation in accordance to the reported risk level as deemed by the professional’s EWS1 assessment.

We’ll let you know if we need you to provide an EWS1 form. If we do, you can send it to us directly. Our appointed valuer will check their database first, so we’ll only ask you to provide it if we need to.

What is a Leaseholder Deed of Certificate?

A leaseholder Deed of Certificate allows you to demonstrate that you qualify for leaseholder protections under the Building Safety Act or whether you're liable for any costs associated with remediating a property with fire safety concerns. We require this document if you are seeking to purchase or remortgage a property that has been affected by cladding. For more information please visit the government guidance Link opens in a new window on Leaseholder Protections.

What is a Landlord’s Certificate?

A Landlord’s certificate must be completed by the landlord of the property you intend to purchase or remortgage (for applications where a building has unsafe cladding or fire safety concerns is being fully remediated under the Building Safety Act or by the Developer, this certificate will not be required). It is used to determine whether any costs associated with remediating a property impacted by fire safety concerns can be passed on to you as a leaseholder. For more information please visit the government guidance Link opens in a new window on Leaseholder Protections.

If you're unsure whether your building is affected by cladding or about the documentation you'll need to support your mortgage application, we recommend that you seek advice from an independent legal advisor and/or surveyor.

Useful advice and support

RICS Cladding External Wall System (EWS) FAQs
Frequently asked questions on Cladding External Wall System (EWS).

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Building Safety Leaseholder Protections
More information on properties with cladding.

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Leaseholder Deed of Certificate and Landlord Certificate
More information on Leaseholder Deed of Certificate and Landlord Certificate

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MoneyHelper
Advice on budgeting and managing your money.

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Citizens Advice
Debt and consumer advice service, covering everything from managing debt to negotiating with creditors.

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Get in touch
If you have any queries about your mortgage, and how it may be impacted, call us on 0345 602 8301. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm and Saturday 9am - 1pm.

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