Buildings insurance for a property with 'subsidence history'

chrisl57

Hi all. First time buyer here and could do with some advice.

2 weeks ago we had our structural survey back which mentioned that the front wall has a ’significant outward lean of 60mm’. The report didn’t mention that this was down to subsidence but most probably a settling period that occurred after the house had been built back in 1900. There is nothing to suggest that the movement has occurred recently.

We wanted to clarify a few points on the survey so got in touch with the surveyor who then said that the wall has a lean due to historical subsidence, which I’ve been informed is different to a settling period. They said that any movement on a front or rear wall is known as historical subsidence.

I’ve done some research and we should be ok with buildings insurance but what concerns me more is what position we will find ourselves in when we come to sell the house.

With that in mind has anyone been in a similar situation and had trouble selling? Or have you sold with no problems at all?

Any knowledge/tips appreciated.

rs65

chrisl57 wrote: »

They said that any movement on a front or rear wall is known as historical subsidence.

That doesn't make sense. If a front or rear wall moved recently, it isn't historical.

You might be best asking your question in the home buying/selling part of the forum.

huckster

If you have any doubt about investing in a property paying a mortgage over a long period, then you should obtain another opinion e.g structural engineer.

Many old properties may have historic subsidence, as the foundations were not done as they are these days. If the surveyors report says that the subsidence is historic with no signs of any recent movement, then you should not have a problem now or at a time of selling. It is up to you whether you spend more money now to get a second report specifically looking at this subsidence issue. It might just confirm the same and then you are reassured. Or it might confirm the subsidence is a problem and then you have something to talk to your Solicitors about.