House Buyer Survey

Haribo2016_2

Hi I have recently got my house survey back and it has identified natural ground subsidence - saying there is a low risk.
The study site is located in an area where some proprieties may be affected by natural ground subsidence.

Is this something I should be worried about and need to investigate further, what does this potentially mean?

Thanks

Davesnave

No one here can be sure, as 'natural ground subsidence' covers everything, from cliff falls and landslides to common shrinkage due to changes in weather and ground conditions.

Even in a place where, say, underground springs are common, there is no way of knowing whether a particular house is built over one, unless it already has a sump pump somewhere, or is obviously sliding down an incline.

So, the best indication of risk is the current structural state of the property. What kind of survey was it and were there any indications in it of cracking, sinking etc? Also, how old is the house? That will have some bearing on the matter too.

A structural engineer can look at any aspect of the structure you think warrants further investigation.

It's a good idea to get an insurance quote for the house to see if that throws up any problems.

Haribo2016_2

It was just the basic survey I think, it is a new build property so no sign of cracking and sinking yet I hope!

Haribo2016_2

Got a quote from comparison site and building & contents insurance is £70 per year

Davesnave

Sounds OK if the insurers aren't loading the premium. Building control at the council should know the risks in the immediate area and factor foundation dimensions accordingly

PixelPound

Probably just the surveyor covering themselves as it was just a basic survey, that way should anything happen down the line they can point to the report. Do you know what type of soil the house is built on? In Yorkshire the soil is mostly clay based so the ground naturally rises and falls due to rainfall, so cracks do appear in some houses over time because of this, but it isn't subsidence.

If there is no signs of cracking (any on a new build would be a concern) then your building insurance should cover it should it change in the future