House built on top of railway tunnel - would it put you off???

HousehunterScotland

We've viewed a house that's on top of the railway tunnel. The tunnel runs right through our town and there are many houses on top of it. The house in question was built in the 60s. The tunnel was pre 1900.

It is close to the opening of the tunnel and the station, so we're not talking about fast trains. Also I they are electric trains if that makes a difference.

Would it put you off the house?

Badger_Lady

Hummm... not directly (if the noise levels are low) but I'd be worried about what the surveyor might say. They're paranoid in my area about houses being built over old coal mines and petrol stations, so I bet they'd have a field day with a tunnel!

Of course, insurance is another one... would the tunnel increase chances of subsidence or general movement in the house..?

Might be worth chatting to the neighbours if you're feeling brave! Gets you the best answers on this stuff

Dr.Shoe_2

If the tunnel has been standing since 1900 or whenever then I doubt it will collapse in your lifetime. In fact a tunnel will actually reduce the chance of subsidence as it is an engineered structure and I doubt noise will be an issue.

G_M

Talk to the neighbours or anyone else locally - about noise, vibration, insurance.

Ring an insurance company or two for quotes. Just give the property details and see how expensive it is - don't do an internet quote: phone, and tell them it's on a tunnel.

Hang out nearby at different times of day, and especially at night when it's quiet to see what the noise is really like. Take a thermos/sandwiches and sit in the car nearby!

pingu2209

Speak to an insurance broker to ask about the effects on your house insurance.

HousehunterScotland

Thanks for the responses so far, much appeciated.

I'm wondering how it would effect the insurance when it's not a commonly asked question when getting quotes.

nemeth782

not only will the risk of subsidence likely be lessened by being on top of an engineered structure such as this, but if the tunnel does start to decay/subside in any way it will be repaired by network rail, no matter the cost.

G_M

HousehunterScotland wrote: »

Thanks for the responses so far, much appeciated.

I'm wondering how it would effect the insurance when it's not a commonly asked question when getting quotes.

Unless there's an insurance expert on this forum the only way to find out is to ask. Specifically. You don't have to take out a policy just get insurers reactions.

Or try posting the question here.

Strapped

When I was a kid we lived for a couple of years in a house over a railway tunnel (pm me if you want to know which one!) - it wasn't really noisy but you did get vibration, which was just wierd! Got used to it pretty quickly though.

diable

Strapped wrote: »

When I was a kid we lived for a couple of years in a house over a railway tunnel (pm me if you want to know which one!) - it wasn't really noisy but you did get vibration, which was just wierd! Got used to it pretty quickly though.

I can just imagine the OP in bed one night when the other half says "did the earth move for you"? Yes honey it was the 23:28 Eastbound going through the tunnel ;p

mrstinchcombe

Another way of looking at it perhaps is if you are asking yourself that question, will potential buyers also be asking the same question when you come to sell and want a good price?