In the wake of the Grenfell Tower Fire, it became clear that a number of blocks of flats across the UK had been built with flammable cladding attached. The horrific outcome of the fire sparked an effort to make sure that properties across the country were safe to live in. 

Unfortunately, the cladding crisis now impacts thousands of people across the UK - particularly owners of high rise flats - regardless of whether the building has unsafe cladding or not. 

In this article we'll look at what cladding is, what makes it dangerous, and how it might impact your home sale. 

### What is cladding?

'Cladding' is simply one material placed on top of another, creating a layer. 

In construction it has a more specific meaning. Cladding is a 'non-structural' layer, usually used to provide extra insulation or weather resistance, but it can also just be decorative. It might be the final outside layer, or it may be included as an intermediate layer. 

It can be made out of a whole range of materials, but is most commonly: metal, timber, or tile.

### Is all cladding dangerous?

No. There are many types that pose no risk to the residents. In fact some forms of cladding are added for extra protection. For example, to prevent fires from spreading too quickly, or to increase protection against harsh weather conditions. 

Some forms of cladding however, are incredibly flammable. These types of cladding *do* pose a serious risk to the property's residents. A few types that are of particular concern because of their fire risk include: 

* **ACM (Aluminium Composite Material)**

ACM is made up of two sheets of aluminium on either side of a core of another lightweight material such as, polyethylene or polyurethane. This type of cladding is most commonly used to protect buildings from rain, and was the kind used on Grenfell Tower. 

This type of cladding is considered particularly unsafe because the lightweight core can be made of highly flammable materials. This core then accelerates the spread of fire, and causes the large aluminium panels to melt and fall off the building. 

* **HPL (High Pressure Laminate)** 

HPL is made by layering sheets of paper or wood fibre with resin. These are then bonded together with heat and pressure. 

* **MCM (Metal Composite Material)**

MCM is made in a very similar way to ACM, but uses different types of metal, such as: zinc, stainless steel, or copper. 

There is also some concern over the use of timber on buildings and balconies. 

### How will cladding issues affect my flat sale?

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, [new regulations](https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/08/homeowners-face-sales-falling-through-and-zero-valuations-due-to-fire-safety-test-delays/) have been brought in which require fire safety checks on buildings with cladding.  These fire safety checks have to be conducted by a specialist surveyor. 

The process is quite complicated. It requires an expert to investigate not only the exterior of the property, but also how the cladding layers are attached to the framework of the building. Many of the blocks affected haven't got detailed records of the materials that were used in construction, and so a sample has to be taken and tested before it can be approved by the surveyor. 

Until these checks have taken place, many mortgage lenders and insurance providers will automatically assume that your property is 'unsafe' or a fire risk - whether this is true or not. 

There have been cases where banks have automatically valued flats in blocks with cladding at £0, until they've been tested and proved safe.  This makes it incredibly difficult for buyers who need a mortgage to purchase their flat. 

If a potential buyer can't borrow money against your flat until the entire block has been certified as safe, you may have to wait a long time until you can sell. Until your building is assessed it's likely you'll be limited to offers from cash buyers, who don't need a loan to progress with the purchase. 

The best way to ensure this isn't a problem is to get evidence from your management company about what material was used to clad the block. One way of doing this is to show buyers and mortgage lenders an EWS1 certificate.

[Read more about selling a leasehold flat here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/is-it-hard-to-sell-leasehold) 

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### What is EWS?

EWS stands for 'External Wall System'. The external wall system includes all of the things that make up the outside wall of a building, such as: the insulation, the cladding, and the fire break systems.

### What is an EWS1 certificate?

An EWS1 certificate is the outcome of an [EWS1 survey](https://www.rics.org/globalassets/rics-website/ews1-external-wall-fire-review-final-2.pdf). 

This survey is a way for building owners to confirm that the external wall systems have been assessed for safety by a qualified expert. The resulting EWS1 certificate will confirm whether or not the cladding on the building is safe. If it's found to be dangerous, the surveyor will provide a list of recommendations for the freeholder, who will then be responsible for sorting it out. 

The EWS1 survey includes a fire safety assessment, and the form is valid for the entire building for 5 years. This means that once the survey has been completed the results can be used by *any* flat owner in the block to prove the safety of their flat to insurers, mortgage lenders, and potential buyers. 

**Important:** Be wary of fraudulent EWS1 certificates. Given the complex nature of the investigations, these forms can only be completed and signed off by a specifically qualified chartered surveyor. If you're unsure, check out the list of qualified EWS1 surveyors on the [Royal Institutes of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) website](https://www.ricsfirms.com/residential/maintenance/fire-safety/).

### Do I need an EWS1 certificate?

If your building is taller than 18 metres (about six storeys), and has cladding, it's likely that you'll need an EWS1 form before you're able to sell or remortgage your home. 

Some buildings below 18 metres will also need an EWS1 certificate, if they're considered to be 'of concern'.

Most properties shorter than three storeys won't need one except in particular circumstances. For example, a care home, where fire safety considerations are different to a standard occupation residential property.

### Getting an EWS1

It's the building owner's responsibility to arrange the EWS1 process - not the leaseholders. However, you can push to get the process started. It's within your rights to be made aware of how the process is going and how it might impact you. 

The best way to get started is to join together with other residents and contact your management company or freeholder as a group, in writing. 

* Firstly, ask for confirmation of what materials were used on your building, and for information on when it was established that unsafe cladding used.

* If the freeholder or management company is unable to provide these answers, request that they arrange for a qualified chartered surveyor to test the building for unsafe or combustible cladding.

If your building owner doesn't comply with their legal obligations and begin the EWS1 process, you should contact your local council, and the fire and rescue service. 

Unfortunately, given the limited number of people qualified to undertake these assessments, there is a significant waiting list, with many taller and more 'at risk' blocks being given priority. 

### Can't sell your flat because of cladding issues?

If you're one of the many flat owners impacted by cladding issues and are still waiting for the EWS1 form, you may find it difficult to sell your property, even if it's actually safe to live in. 

There are a few options that you could consider: 

* **Cash buyer**

Unlike buyers who need a mortgage, cash buyers don't need a survey or EWS1 form to allow them to purchase a property. 

Some cash buyers are taking advantage of the situation to invest in flats for less than their true value. And, while you may have to accept a lower than desirable sale price, a cash buyer could be your best option if your really need to sell your flat soon. For example, if you can no longer afford to pay the flat's service charge. 

Talk to your estate agent about the best way to attract these types of investment buyers. A good estate agent with the correct experience may have direct contacts with interested buyers, or know what sort of marketing strategies are most effective. 

If you need a rapid sale, you might also consider alternative methods of selling, such as a professional cash property buying company. If you choose this route, make sure to thoroughly research any company you might work with. The industry is not regulated in the same way as the mainstream property market, so it's vulnerable to a number of scams. 

[For more information on cash property buyers, read this article](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/sell-house-cash-buyer). 

[Or if you're ready to find a trustworthy estate agent, head here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor)

* **Renting out**

If you're unable to sell, but need to move, you could consider renting your flat out. Receiving income from rent should hopefully cover, or contribute to the costs of your mortgage and service fees, so that you can afford to buy elsewhere. 

You'll have to check the conditions of your lease first to see whether renting out is an option for you. If it is, you'll also need to request permission from your mortgage provider to switch to a 'buy-to-let' mortgage product, and change your insurance to landlord cover. 

**Remember:** there are a large number of costs that come with renting a property out, and you're not always guaranteed to have tenants living there. Weigh up these costs with the benefits of moving, before you decide whether it's the right option for you. 

aerial view of group of high rise blocks of flats in front of a setting sun 

selling-flat-cladding

The cladding crisis now impacts thousands of people across the UK. In this article we look at what cladding actually is, what makes it dangerous. We'll also look at how it might impact home sale. 

Selling a flat with cladding: What you need to know

Selling a flat with cladding issues

***[Michelle Ogundehin:](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/interiors/home/pandemic-affecting-way-decorate-homes/) ‘The miracle of interior design is that you can make big changes with very basic ingredients; just a few test pots of paint, or some paste-the-wall wallpaper.’***

Each year new interior design trends come and go, but few years have the impact on home decor than 2020. We’ve witnessed wholesale changes in the way we use our homes, and what we expect from them. Rather than somewhere we come to at the end of a long day at work, our houses are now: our office, and our sanctuary, our schools, and our restaurants all in one. 

This inevitably has caused a shift in how many people are decorating and furnishing their homes. There’s been a transition towards warm, cozy decor, multi-functional design, and durable materials. 

In 2021 you’ll see less minimalism and pale colour than last year. Embrace earthy greens, jewel tones, pattern, texture, and a focus on nature. 

### How coronavirus has changed home decor trends

The dramatic events of 2020, have encouraged a reevaluation of what people actually want and need from their homes - including how they decorate them. 

The coronavirus pandemic has reshaped how we interact with our living space. With more time at home, we increasingly need multi-functional, durable, and comfortable spaces. There’s a renewed focus on homes that work for the people living there, and on making the most of outdoor spaces as extra living space. 

These are the top home design changes you’ll see this year:

* **Home Offices**

Previously most people’s home offices (if they even had one) were simply places to finish off ad hoc bits of work, or a place to work on side hustles. But now, home offices are the default workplace. 

2021 will see people placing greater emphasis on creating workable, comfortable, and nice spaces to work. This includes bringing in proper lighting - important for your eyes and your zoom calls - and making sure you’ve got the right type of chair. It’s likely too, that some people will decide an office with a door is more important than a spare bedroom. 

The importance of a good home office to those looking to buy a new home has already started to show. In early January, property portal [Rightmove](https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/most-popular-property-features-working-from-home) reported a 326% increase in the adverts using the terms ‘office’ and ‘workspace’. It's clear that over the next year home offices are going to remain an key feature - particularly for sellers. 

* **Multi-functional Spaces**

With more people working and attending school from home the importance of multi-functional spaces is increasing. 

We expect to see an increase in multi-purpose storage and furniture solutions - particularly for small spaces. Think pull-down desks, easy-to-move mod furniture, innovative toy storage, and durable fabrics - like linen - that can be washed easily and regularly. 

* **Comfort**

‘Comfort’ is a word that’s becoming increasingly important in interior design circles. Or as [Martyn Lawrence Bullard](https://www.vogue.com/article/interior-design-trends-to-know-in-2021) describes: ‘Comfort, practicality, and making your home your sanctuary on every level’. 

Many of us may now be working and learning at home, but we’re also spending more time there too. Having a comfortable and relaxing space is just as important in 2021 as having a functional, durable one. 

This means that bedrooms and living rooms will take on greater importance when it comes to home design. Expect to see lots of calm, natural colour palettes, and earthy tones, as well as lots of soft, warm, textural accents in the form of throws, pillows, and rugs. 

*  **Gardens**

Gardens have always been a priority for many people, but they’ve gained even more importance for many as a result of the coronavirus lockdowns. Outdoor space has offered a place to exercise, escape, and entertain. Gardens are no longer simply a nice attachment to a home, they are a whole extra living space. 

Homes with gardens showed [particularly strong price growth](https://www.ft.com/content/e0d2af0f-0b0e-4a4f-9fbd-d50ce8bd41a3) in the second half of 2020 and it’s unlikely that this trend will end anytime soon.

And, for those who don’t have outdoor space, houseplants and indoor trees have offered a way to bring nature closer. The boom in house plant sales demonstrates how popular this trend is and continues to be into the new year. Incorporate plants into your home design for a super easy aesthetic and wellbeing boost.

### Home decor trends for 2021 that will add value to your home

If you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, you may decide you don't want to make lots of large interior design changes. However, there are a couple of home decor trends that you can easily take advantage of. These trends are all great ways to add value to your home this year.

* **Pantone Colours of the Year 2021**

Each year colour and trend experts Pantone peg the colours that they believe will define the coming year. This year the Pantone Colours of the Year are ‘Ultimate Gray’ and ‘Illuminating Yellow’.

Incorporating these colours into your home design will make your home look modern, and in style - and doing so takes very little effort. Adding coloured cushions is a great way to integrate pops of illuminating yellow into a room. Or, you may decide to go with something a bit more daring, like: painting your kitchen cabinets or living room walls ultimate gray. 

* **Home Office**

If you have a dedicated home office space in your house, make it a focal point. Consider 'staging' the room for your listing photographs so the purpose of the room is immediately clear.  

For more information on [how to 'stage' a home for sale, check out this guide](https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/preparing/adding-value). 

* **Gardens** 

[Gardens are an evergreen asset](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/does-garden-increase-property-value) for homesellers, and even more so in the current climate. If your property is lucky enough to come with outdoor space - whatever its size - consider the ways you can make it look like a natural extension of the living space. 

If it’s large enough, add some durable garden furniture and some lighting. This will demonstrate how the garden can be used for relaxing, entertaining, or even working. 

If you have a small space or balcony, lighting and plants can be used to show off the space as somewhere you might come to relax and enjoy nature. 

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### Trends to avoid in 2021 

If you’re looking to keep ahead of the curve - or you’re hoping to attract interest in your home from sellers - it’s important to bear in mind the trends from the past year that are beginning to fall out of fashion. 

* **Open plan living spaces**

Open plan living spaces used to be a favourite of interior designers and homeowners alike. Large open rooms looked modern and were useful for those who liked to entertain. Now, the appeal of open plan living rooms is seeing a dramatic decline - particularly in family homes, where parents and children might be working and studying at the same, and the appeal of a closed door is especially great. 

* **Super modern finishes** 

When we were spending most of our time at work, coming back to a beautifully modern home felt luxurious. Now, very modern, luxe finishes are being replaced with a return to warmer, nostalgic, and more relaxing styles. 

Colloquially this is called ‘cottage core’, or ‘grandmillenial’ style. You’ll find a lot of the harshness of the design from the past few years replaced by texture, pastels, vintage pieces, and prints. 

* **Minimalism**  

Similarly, it looks like the heyday of minimalism is coming to an end. Homes are expected to be more livable, and durable in 2021. Lots of pale colours, and hiding away the paraphernalia of living is just not as practical this year as it was previously. 

### Is wallpaper making a comeback?

Wallpaper is definitely making itself known as a key trend to watch for 2021. And, it’s not hard to see why. Wallpaper is one of the simplest ways to transform a room, and there are many affordable and low-effort application versions available. 

Bright colours and maximalist patterns are at the forefront of the trend, and are set to grace our instagram feeds, imaginations, and homes for at least the next year. This interior design trend is all about bringing joy and positivity into our spaces. 

However, if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, be careful with what patterns you choose. Bright or heavily patterned wallpapers are a matter of personal preference, and could be offputting for some buyers. 

But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get involved with this trend. If you’re keen on trying a bright, bold, statement, opt for deep jewel tones like emerald green, or a full, warm purple. Or, if you prefer a lighter space, earthy hues like olive greens, burnt orange, or blush pinks are all incredibly stylish options. 

If you want to try something patterned, take inspiration from the great outdoors. Wallpaper prints with plants, leaves, and trees are a more classic take on the pattern trend, and play into this season’s focus on bringing nature into the home. 

For more interior design inspiration, check out the [DIY section of our blog, here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/)  

magazines and laptop on woven rug on living room floor, furnished with wooden sideboard and rattan chair, grey walls, and a range of photo print posters 

home-trends-2021

We’ve witnessed wholesale changes in the way we use our homes, and what we expect from them. In 2021 you’ll see less minimalism and pale colour than last year.

Home trends 2021

The 2021 home trends that’ll help you sell your home

We're full to the brim of festive cheer here at GetAgent, and we've got the carols on full blast. 

One of our favourites has to be 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', so in true GetAgent fashion we analysed the property prices on all the roads in the UK that matched the gifts given in the song. It turns out the final gift: 'drummers drumming' is indeed the most valuable. 

![twelve-days-christmas](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/3t5wnHP2XPEESrOHhqAyPs/f8bf88ebf2f3cffdd17bca132ab24975/12_DAYS_XMAS_IMAGE.jpg)


pile of Christmas presents wrapped in red and white wrapping paper and tied with bows

christmas-gift-house-prices

We analysed the property prices on all the roads in the UK that matched the gifts given in the famous carol: 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'

Sell your home

Company

The Twelve Roads of Christmas

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