Buying house - suspect subsidence

reggie

We are looking to be mortgage free, so we are in control of surveyors etc. I had heard that sometimes you get a full survey done, only for it to recommend an engineer's report. There are a couple of companies near us who carry out both types of report, so will ring them. It could be that the foundations of the conservatory are not deep enough - this is what the neighbour thought - so may not be classed as subsidence?

andy.m_2

differential settlement.

Poorly built conservatory not tied into the main property.
Just an idea.

If subsidence then survey will be the best £800 you ever spent, you will laugh about it later as you go to view other properties.

reggie

Quick update. Had another look, worse than thought. Managed to take a quick pic, which a surveyor is going to have a look at in order to decide what the next step would be. On another note, husband then noticed a crack from window of bedroom right down to floor level, which had been patched. Could be nothing, but suffice to say we are spooked. Looking forward to surveyor ringing. As most of you say, better now than later, and be prepared to walk...

reggie

Surveyor had look at photo, confirmed there had definitely been movement. Guessed at need for underpinning. Obviously he would have to need closer look, but agreed there was an issue. Th crack had been filled but had pulled away, so the vendors are aware of movement problems... In addition we found out we own the road running in front and round side of property, EA dropped this in! We are inclined to walk, even if we sorted this out, it looks like insurance premiums and resale would be an issue in future. We just want normal! Having chat with EA today, decision to be made.

amcluesent

It's a buyers market, you have ample choice. No need to go for a lemon.

GDB2222

reggie wrote: »

Surveyor had look at photo, confirmed there had definitely been movement. Guessed at need for underpinning. Obviously he would have to need closer look, but agreed there was an issue. Th crack had been filled but had pulled away, so the vendors are aware of movement problems... In addition we found out we own the road running in front and round side of property, EA dropped this in! We are inclined to walk, even if we sorted this out, it looks like insurance premiums and resale would be an issue in future. We just want normal! Having chat with EA today, decision to be made.

It may be worth buying at the right price.

leeelw

if the vendors are interested in you as a buyer, its time they become honest, you can make a call from there

if they have made a claim, an isurance claim is normally assesed over a period of a year or two

this includes rectification and further monitoring within different seasons of the year.

I would tell a friend to walk away - this could turn out to be more hassle than its worth, this is just one thing that you know about, if they are hiding this what other nasty surprises are in store ?

shegar

Id walk away, theres loads of properties out there without all the problems this one carry................I would drop the sale like a brick the vendors were going to let you buy it without revealing a serious problem, at least you know where you stand with it now.........Why pay approx £800 for the structual you already know the results..........WALK

reggie

We have decided to walk away. Ultimately, buying a house should be something to look forward to, not be full of constant worry and nervousness. The estate agents are trying to persuade us all is ok, but there is too much at stake. As you said, what else might turn up? Thanks to everyone for all the really helpful advice. It is great to have such a helpful community out there.

leeelw

reggie, as strange as it may seem, albeit i work in sales, i believe gut instinct and intuition have a key part in decision making, so glad you consulted this site, and fair play to the good advice

best of luck, the right house will come up and you will somersault down the street

take care