The Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 placed a spotlight on a previously under-acknowledged issue: the safety of cladding and external wall systems used across thousands of UK buildings. Eight years on, the crisis is far from resolved. Leaseholders, landlords, and developers are still facing uncertainty over remediation costs, legal responsibilities, and whether their homes are even safe to live in.
In this blog, we’ll explore what’s happening in 2025, what property owners need to be aware of, and how professional surveyors play a crucial role in keeping buildings safe and compliant.
What Exactly Is Cladding and and Why Is It a Problem?
Cladding refers to the external materials fixed to a building’s structure, often used to improve insulation, reduce weather exposure, or modernise the building’s appearance.
The problem arises when combustible or poorly tested materials are used. Aluminium composite material (ACM), high-pressure laminate (HPL), and certain types of timber or UPVC cladding have been shown to spread fire rapidly.
Even low-rise and mid-rise buildings are at risk, as seen in recent UK cases where timber-framed homes with plastic cladding caught fire and spread rapidly.
The State of Play in 2025
Despite government funding schemes and regulatory pressure, thousands of buildings across the UK remain affected by unsafe cladding.
– Mortgage blocks continue: Many lenders still refuse mortgages on properties without a clean External Wall System (EWS1) form.
– Service charges and disputes: Leaseholders face soaring costs for waking watches, insurance, and potential remediation.
– Expanding risk: It’s no longer just high-rise towers. Mid-20th-century housing with timber frames and plastic cladding has now entered the spotlight.
– Government pressure: The Building Safety Regulator is tightening compliance checks, and freeholders who delay remediation risk penalties.
The result? A tense property market where buyers, sellers, and investors hesitate, and where reliable surveying advice is vital.
How Surveyors Fit Into the Picture
Mortgage lenders often require an EWS1 form confirming whether the external wall system has been checked and is safe. It’s important to note that this is not a statutory requirement under UK law, but rather an industry-agreed process developed by RICS, UK Finance and the Building Societies Association. Only qualified professionals can sign these off, and lenders usually will not provide mortgages without one.
What Leaseholders and Freeholders Need to Know
Mortgage lenders often require an EWS1 form confirming whether the external wall system has been checked and is safe. It’s important to note that this is not a statutory requirement under UK law, but rather an industry-agreed process developed by RICS, UK Finance and the Building Societies Association. Only qualified professionals can sign these off, and lenders usually will not provide mortgages without one.
Beyond High-Rises: A New Wave of Concerns
Recent fires have highlighted risks in smaller residential developments, particularly timber-framed houses with UPVC cladding. These properties often fall outside the scope of government funding, leaving owners to shoulder costs.
This demonstrates why surveys are no longer just about high-rise towers; any property with questionable materials should be assessed.
???? At Trust Surveyors, we provide comprehensive building inspections for all property types, helping clients uncover risks before they become costly liabilities.
The Role of Regulation and Compliance
The Building Safety Regulator, established under the Building Safety Act 2022, now enforces stricter rules for building owners and managers.
Key developments include:
– Mandatory safety cases for higher-risk buildings (18m+ or 7 storeys+).
– Accountable persons required to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
– Severe penalties for non-compliance, including criminal sanctions.
Surveyors support compliance by providing the evidence, reports, and monitoring that owners need to meet their obligations.
How Surveyors Add Value Beyond Safety
Engaging a professional surveyor isn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes. A trusted survey can:
– Protect property value by maintaining mortgageability.
– Offer peace of mind to residents and tenants.
– Reduce insurance premiums through documented risk reduction.
– Provide clear, independent evidence in disputes with developers or managing agents.
How Trust Surveyors Can Help
Mortgage lenders often require an EWS1 form confirming whether the external wall system has been checked and is safe. It’s important to note that this is not a statutory requirement under UK law, but rather an industry-agreed process developed by RICS, UK Finance and the Building Societies Association. Only qualified professionals can sign these off, and lenders usually will not provide mortgages without one.
Final Thoughts
The UK cladding crisis is not going away. In fact, as new risks are identified in different building types, the issue is broadening. For property owners, freeholders, and leaseholders, the key is to act proactively, not wait until a sale falls through or an insurance premium becomes unmanageable.
Surveyors play a vital role in providing clarity, reassurance, and solutions. By engaging professionals like Trust Surveyors, you can navigate this complex issue with confidence, protect your property’s value, and most importantly, safeguard the people living inside.
