Asked by: Stephen Doughty (Labour (Co-op) - Cardiff South and Penarth)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the implementation of new guidance on the requirements for EWS1 forms by UK lenders that came into effect from 5 April 2021.
Answered by Christopher Pincher
MHCLG estimates that nearly 500,000 leaseholders should not require an EWS1 form, following the new EWS1 valuation guidance from RICS, published in March 2021. Most major lenders, representing roughly 80% of the mortgage market, have said that they will adopt the RICS guidance, or already take a markedly less risk-averse approach.
Recent data from one major lender suggests that an EWS1 already exists for 50% of mortgage applications where one is requested, and we are working with industry to ensure this picture only improves.
The Government continues to challenge industry on the use of the EWS1 process. We have requested data from industry so that we can understand how the RICS guidance is being applied, and the implications of the process for mortgage applications.