Over half of property professionals believe that the RICS Guidance Note on Cladding is working

02 June 2021

A webinar poll undertaken by Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS), one of the leading suppliers of valuation panel management services, highlighted that over half (55%) of property professionals believe that the RICS Guidance Note on cladding is working. In contrast 45% stressed that it was not working.

These responses emerged at Countrywide Surveying Services’ regular webinar series which revolved around a panel debate on cladding and the EWS1 form. Over 200 people actively engaged with the session, with the audience consisting of lenders, brokers, surveyors and other property professionals. The panel included representatives from major lenders and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) who joined John Baguley and Matthew Cumber from Countrywide.

Further polls were taken during the webinar which posed questions including: Have you seen more or fewer requests for EWS since the RICS Guidance Note? In response to this, 30% of respondents said more, 9% suggested fewer, with the rest (61%) stating that the number of requests had been similar. In addition, over two-thirds (70%) reported that the recent fire at New Providence Wharf had positively changed their views around the need for EWS forms, while 30% suggested that the event had a negative change on their views when it came to the need for EWS forms.

Matthew Cumber, Managing Director of Countrywide Surveying Services, said:

“Many positives have been achieved through the development of the RICS Guidance Note but challenges still remain for industry as a whole. This is a complex, ongoing issue and it’s important that we continue the discussion and move forward to achieve some sensible resolutions. Although I fear this is something we will still be talking about in webinars for years to come.

“From an intermediary perspective, advisers can support homebuyers by helping to ensure they go into any property purchase with their eyes wide open. Tackling these issues as early in the homebuying process as possible will certainly prevent time, financial and emotional implications further down the line.”