Selling a Flat With Cladding Guide
Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Since the Grenfell Tragedy in 2017, government legislation has come in that dramatically effects new build properties with cladding. Even if your property is completely safe, if it meets certain broad criteria it will be impossible for buyers to obtain a mortgage on your property, and therefore extremely difficult to sell.
What is cladding?
The term ‘cladding‘ refers to materials used in construction to provide homes with insulation or protect against the weather. It can be an internal layer or an external layer.
The cladding was used and popular for several reasons:
- It was an answer for people who want something energy efficient and cost-effective for the exterior of their building.
- Protection of the building against weather conditions.
- It could be constructed in a variety of colours, shades, shapes and sizes.
- The stylish and aesthetic appearance of buildings.
- Immense Design Flexibility.
What types of cladding are there?
Depending on the structure of the cladding, we can distinguish the following types:
Aluminium Composite Material
Aluminium Composite Material, or ACM, is a type of cladding made up of two sheets of aluminium on either side of a core of another lightweight. Most commonly used to protect buildings from the weather.
The lightweight core of this type of cladding can be made of highly flammable materials, which can accelerate the spread of fire.
High Pressure Laminate
High Pressure Laminate, or HPL, is a form of cladding typically manufactured by layering sheets of wood or paper fibre with a resin. Bound together by heat and pressure. Depending on the composition of the entire cladding system and the method of its installation, HPL can be safe on existing buildings.
Metal Composite Material
Metal Composite Material in short MCM, is a type of cladding consisting of two metal cover sheets and a fire-rated core.
Is all cladding dangerous?
The vast majority of cladding is completely safe.
What is an ESW1 certificate?
In more recent years, an Exterior Wall Fire Protection Inspection form (EWS1 form) was created. The EWS1 form ensures that the building meets the requirements of the latest government standards. In short, building owners can confirm that the external wall systems are “safe” or “unsafe”.
What should you know about selling a flat with cladding?
- You can wait months or even years for an EWS1 certificate.
- If you are still waiting for the EWS1 form, you may find it difficult to sell your property to a mortgage purchaser.
- Even if you have an EWS1 certificate, people may still be hesitant to purchase cladded properties.
- Due to concerns, the target market is small.
- It will involve much more effort than selling a regular property.
Can I sell a flat with cladding?
Due to the stance of the major lenders, virtually the only option is to sell to a buyer using their own funds – a cash purchaser.
How do I sell a house with cladding?
As with any problem property, Gaffsy have the experience needed to offer with confidence. We will buy your property regardless of the cladding, condition of the building, sitting tenants or any other problems.
- We use our own funds so can work at whatever timeframe suits you.
- We offer a sell flat fast service for flats with and without cladding.
- We guarantee to transact at our offer price.
- We will offer on any property no matter what the condition is.
- You do not need an EWS1 Form
- We support you through every step of the sale and handle all associated fees from lawyers and surveyors.
