Subsidence / Natural Cavities - Survey

dmana88

Hi all,

I'm a couple of weeks away from completion on a leasehold flat, the block is 25 year old and made up of 10 flats. I have not had any type of survey carried out, just the standard valuation report from the mortgage lender which was fine. The environment search results have now come back saying the property is in an area of natural subsidence and that it would be prudent to contact a surveyor. The results go in to more detail showing the subsidence risk as 'low' but states that there is a natural cavity 160 meters from the property. My sister has bought two properties in the same town and says these showed up both of her searches but i'm wondering if its worth getting a survey done. From what I understand a structural survey will not be much use as the surveyor cannot access the whole property. Also perhaps naively, i was under the impression the structure was the freeholders concern as they arrange building insurance?

thanks in advance! :undecided

lincroft1710

dmana88 wrote: »

Also perhaps naively, i was under the impression the structure was the freeholders concern as they arrange building insurance?

The structure is very much your concern. An acquaintance lives in a flat which had subsidence problems, it took about 4 years to sort out. During which time the flats were unsaleable, cracks appeared in the walls, doors wouldn't close properly etc.