Another house movement concerned buyer here! Help!

MelaBella

Hello everyone, cant stop repeating that this forum is so helpful. I feel like inviting the MSE experts who were most helpful to the housewarming party once (and if) of course, I ever complete on the purchase:):D

Basically, my homebuyer's report says that there are signs the property has been affected by the past structural movement as evidenced by distortion to the door openings and plaster cracks. As can be seen from the single inspection the movement is long standing and does not appear to be progressive. Seasonal movement may occur again due to the nature of sub-soil (!). Cases of subsidence are known in the area, there is no indication this property is adversely affected.

Surveryer says no need for structural report and the cases are common for old period properties, I am still concerned. Spoke to a few insureres, once they here the word movement they say I need to fill some forms and another structural report may be needed needed. Any views?

MelaBella

Anyone ! Pleaseeee!

G_M

Tricky.

I'm assuming it's an old house. If so, and given what the surveyor has said, there is unlikely to be any risk of subsidence/damage in the future..


My own house (1851) is built on shallow foundations (as was usual back then). It is stone, with lime mortar (which is more flexible than modern cement mortar so allows for slight movement). Movement was actually expected in those days!

The porch in particular moves every time there is a long wet, or dry, spell as the ground shrinks/expands. After 15 years this no longer worries me as I know the crack will close up when the weather changes!

But insurance. Yes, they are paranoid. Every online application asks about movement /subsidence, and usually includes the word 'ever'.

I'm afraid I just tick 'no'. I DO have a structural engineers report in reserve saying any movement is historic and of no risk.

But as soon as you tick 'yes' the online insurance route is slammed shut and you're into checks by under-writers and/or survey report evaluation and almost certainly higher premiums.

But in your case you have a survey (which your mortgage lender has seen?) which mentions 'movement' so ticking 'no' puts you at risk of invalidting the policy. Your choice!

cant stop repeating that this forum is so helpful. I feel like inviting the MSE experts who were most helpful to the housewarming party once (and if) of course, I ever complete on the purchase:):D

:beer:

MelaBella

THanks you G_M, and yes its 1900s house. The lender have seen the report, and perhaps I have to declare the movement. Also, im worried that if i decide to re-sell in a few years (its not a long-term house for sure) it decrease the number of buyers who will be inrested in the flat?