Can I get a mortgage on a flat above the 10th floor?

Yes, though some lenders have floor restrictions. We work with lenders who accept flats on any floor, including penthouses in tall buildings.

What is an EWS1 form?

An External Wall System (EWS1) form is a fire safety certificate that confirms whether a building's external walls (including cladding) meet safety standards. It's required by most lenders for buildings over 18m.

Can I sell a high-rise flat without an EWS1?

It's difficult but not impossible. Some buyers may purchase with cash, and some lenders are now relaxing EWS1 requirements, particularly for buildings with no cladding or where remediation is underway.

Are high-rise flat mortgages more expensive?

Rates are generally similar to standard flats if the building passes fire safety checks. The main additional costs are potentially higher service charges and insurance premiums.

High-Rise Flat Mortgages

High-rise flat mortgages have become more complex since the cladding crisis. We know which lenders are lending and can navigate EWS1 requirements for you.

Mortgages for High-Rise Flats

Since the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, mortgaging high-rise flats (typically defined as buildings over 18 metres or 6 storeys) has become significantly more complicated. Many lenders now require EWS1 (External Wall System) fire safety certificates, and some have withdrawn from high-rise lending entirely. However, the landscape is improving, and we work with lenders who are actively lending on high-rise properties.

Up-to-date knowledge of cladding and EWS1 requirements
Lenders actively lending on high-rise flats
Guidance on buildings over 11m, 18m, and 30m+
Help navigating remediation and building safety fund applications
100% fee-free advice from tall building specialists

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

EWS1 Forms and Cladding

An EWS1 form confirms whether a building's external wall system has been assessed for fire safety. Buildings over 18m typically need this form for mortgage purposes. If your building has unsafe cladding, remediation may be needed before lenders will lend. We track which lenders require EWS1 forms and which have relaxed their requirements.

Building Height Thresholds

Lenders categorise buildings by height: under 11m (generally no cladding concerns), 11-18m (may need EWS1 depending on lender), and over 18m (most lenders require EWS1 or equivalent). Some lenders won't lend above certain floors — typically the 10th or 20th floor. We match your specific building to the right lender.

The Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Act has introduced new protections for leaseholders in buildings over 11m. Qualifying leaseholders are protected from remediation costs, and developers and building owners are responsible for fixing safety defects. This has improved lending confidence in the high-rise sector.

Service Charges and Ground Rent

High-rise flats often come with higher service charges due to lift maintenance, concierge services, and building management. Lenders factor these costs into your affordability assessment. Ground rent is also scrutinised — particularly onerous or doubling ground rent clauses may affect lending.