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Hi all. I'm looking for a bit of advice as I'm in a bit of a frustrating position with a remortgage I'm currently going through and it's costing me money the longer it goes on. I listen to the podcast religiously and know there is a great community here so really hoping to get some advice if anyone can provide any. I've outlined my predicament below. I own a flat in Hinckley, Leicestershire which I rent out. The building is three stories high, and my flat is on the top floor. I've been trying to get the flat remortgaged recently but the lenders are asking for an EWS1 form to confirm the cladding on the building isn't flammable. On the RICS website it states that these forms only really apply to apartment blocks over 18m, or six stories, in height, or with balconies. Mine doesn't sit within these guidelines but having pointed this out to the lender and showing that it is clad in brick, they are still requesting the form. I have been trying to get this EWS1 form from the management company, Warwick Estates, but it is taking a long time. I've been emailing them for well over a month as they are currently not taking calls due to reduced staff as a result of Covid-19, and a Property Assistance has been speaking with their risk assessment department, who have said they are starting to look at quotes to get the surveys done, but they can't confirm a timeline. I've asked for a direct line to someone in the risk assessment department, or someone higher up their, but I doubt I will get this as their communications are abysmal. The really frustrating thing is my other mortgage is now outside of its fixed rate terms so I am paying a lot more per month for that mortgage whilst this gets sorted. Rent is coming in, which I am very grateful for at this time, but the profit is taking a serious dent. I've looked into getting a survey done myself but have had a quote back of around £2000, which I'd rather not pay as it's not my responsibility to do so, it's the management companies. I was wondering if anyone has been through this situation at all and can provide any advice? Do I go to one of the governing bodies and put a complaint in about Warwick Estates? Or is there something else I can do? I fear this could go on for months and months. Thanks in advance for anyone that can impart any information. Cheers, Joe

Hello all, hope this is the right place. I thought it would fit with the expertise of the sub-group. Looking at a property for cash purchase: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/100919183#/ As it happens, I was looking at another property in the area with a very similar design. I managed to obtain some of the information for that property. There was one concerning material: Single Ply Mechanically Fixed FR/ALU. https://www.xtratherm.com/products/fr-alu/ "Xtratherm FR/ALU is a high performance Polyisocyanurate flat roof insulation with vapour-tight aluminium foil facings suitable for use with single ply membranes. FR/ALU is part of the comprehensive range of Xtratherm’s high performance flat roof boards providing total solutions for flat roof projects." The walls seem to be covered in two materials: The grey sheet metal is "Euroclad Vieo Roof Systems" material https://www.euroclad.com/roofs/vieo-roof-profile/ The brick material is "Wienerberger Caldera Red multi facing", I am assuming some kind of plastic https://www.jewson.co.uk/p/wienerberger-caldera-red-multi-65mm-BRICK535 From the look of the building shared above, assuming the materials are similar, what is the level of concern with regards to cladding fire risk and the likelihood that remedial works will be necessary? Is it possible that the walls contain the Xtratherm material? Or some other concerning material other than concrete? If remedial work would be necessary, any idea of rough costs? Thank you so much. Jan

So it looks like I've found my first property! It is in Liverpool, L7. 3 bed terrace that needs a complete refurb! I've never done anything like it....so, I really could do with your advice! Would anyone recommend a good, honest surveyor and builders, please? Thank you! Annie

Hi I am starting out on my property journey with a business partner who already has some experience of renting serviced accommodation but we both want to build a portfolio of BTL's as quickly as possible. We've been listening to the back catalogue of podcasts (along with the recent ones) which have been really useful, and we attended our first meetup last week in Manchester. We have started to put together a power team but really need to find good tradespeople in the Oldham / Rochdale area, also a good surveyor who could help assess the prospective done up value. Any recommendations would be gratefully received - we're keen to follow Rob & Rob's advice to go with these! Does anyone also have any good examples/templates for presenting an investment proposal to a prospective funder of a short term loan - as we're likely to need to find additional angel finance in the early stages. Cheers, David