PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.

Ground instability

Options
cristim
cristim Posts: 5 Forumite
in House buying, renting & selling
Dear all,
We are trying to buy our first house in Hemel Hempstead.
Our solicitor requested a mining and subsistence report from which we can see that there are very significant soluble rocks in the area and a high potential of localised subsidence occurring naturally.
I`ve google it and was mining in that area more than 100 years ago.
Did anyone had this situation?

Comments

  • keithdc
    keithdc Posts: 459 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper Combo Breaker First Post
    Options
    cristim wrote: »
    Dear all,
    We are trying to buy our first house in Hemel Hempstead.
    Our solicitor requested a mining and subsistence report from which we can see that there are very significant soluble rocks in the area and a high potential of localised subsidence occurring naturally.
    I`ve google it and was mining in that area more than 100 years ago.
    Did anyone had this situation?

    I suspect most of the residents in Hemel Hempstead will be in the same position.
    Not really sure what the question is.
  • cristim
    cristim Posts: 5 Forumite
    edited 9 February 2018 at 2:19PM
    Options
    Thank you for reply.
    I was thinking if I should pull out or an geological survey will help ?

    Is it to dangerous to buy a house like this?
    will anyone insure this house?
  • teneighty
    teneighty Posts: 1,347 Forumite
    Options
    Mining in Hemel Hempstead? What were they supposed to be mining for?

    Probably underlying chalk as with half of the South East of England so you might be very very unlucky and buy a house on top of a crown hole but that is a chance you take where ever you buy on chalk.
  • Tiglet2
    Tiglet2 Posts: 2,470 Forumite
    First Anniversary Photogenic First Post Name Dropper
    Options
    Well, if you're keen on the house and don't want to pull out, then make sure you get a full structural survey done which will show any major problems with the house, such as tell-tale cracking. You could also ask your solicitor to enquire whether the house has suffered from any subsidence, landslip or heave in the past and, if so, was the house underpinned? If there has been any history relating to stability problems, then any paperwork or documents will be requested so your solicitor can make an informed assessment.

    These mining and subsidence reports cover a particular area, in which your house is located. Doesn't mean this particular house is affected and bear in mind, many houses will fall within an "advisory" area, whether it's chalk, clay or a historical mining area.
  • cristim
    cristim Posts: 5 Forumite
    Options
    Thank you so much for your reply. We are so worried
  • martinthebandit
    martinthebandit Posts: 4,422 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post
    Options
    cristim wrote: »

    Is it to dangerous to buy a house like this?
    will anyone insure this house?

    The simple answer is to knock on one of you prospective new neighbours doors and have a chat with them to see if they have had any issues with getting insurance etc.

    Or do a few dummy quotes online.
  • davidmcn
    davidmcn Posts: 23,596 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Options
    cristim wrote: »
    Thank you so much for your reply. We are so worried
    It's easier if you do what most buyers do, and not get a ground stability report in the first place. No worrying stuff to read then.
  • cristim
    cristim Posts: 5 Forumite
    Options
    will do that
    thank you
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173.1K Life & Family
  • 248K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards