Valuation Query?

[Deleted User]

Has the property ever been affected by structural movement caused by subsidence, settlement, landslip or heave?

If Yes, is this movement considered to be long-standing in nature and the risk of further movement taking place acceptable?

If the answer to both the above questions is Yes would you continue with your purchase? How do I find out the cause / further problems etc?

davidmcn

Pretty commonplace - I think some surveyors just stick that in to cover their ar*e for every vaguely old property whether or not there's anything noticeable.

[Deleted User]

The bank did the above for their valuation - Would I be advised to have my own survey done now just to check what it was that the surveyor was actually concerned about?

kingstreet

I wouldn't have a survey because of that as it's standard.

Have a survey because you want the greater peace of mind of a longer inspection and more in-depth report, if you feel it worthwhile.

G_M

if the answer to both was 'yes' I'm surprised the bank is agreeing to lend. But if they are, then that tells you a lot too.

Get your own survey done in the normal way, or instruct a Structural Engineer's report.

kingstreet

G_M wrote: »

if the answer to both was 'yes' I'm surprised the bank is agreeing to lend. But if they are, then that tells you a lot too.

Get your own survey done in the normal way, or instruct a Structural Engineer's report.

Longstanding non-progressive movement probably covers the bulk of the housing stock in this country.

It's difficult to avoid that in the second-hand market with a lot settling during the first fifteen years of life and showing no sign of further movement thereafter.

davidmcn

G_M wrote: »

if the answer to both was 'yes' I'm surprised the bank is agreeing to lend.

Why? Like I said above, it's pretty standard from my reading of surveys for any older properties, and often means "this is a 150 year old property, yes it has settled, but that probably happened roughly 150 years ago..."

kinger101

Indeed, the "settlement" pretty much covers all old housing stock. It the other three which really worries banks and insurers.

G_M

kingstreet wrote: »

Longstanding non-progressive movement probably covers the bulk of the housing stock in this country.

It's difficult to avoid that in the second-hand market with a lot settling during the first fifteen years of life and showing no sign of further movement thereafter.

Oops! I speed-read the 2nd sentence and thought it was aboutt 'ongoing' movement.

Mea culpa!

I retract everything I said!

[Deleted User]

Thanks Guys, Very reassuring. The property is probably 1930's so rather old but a good sized property.

Will a survey commissioned by ourselves be able to tell me what the future potential dangers are? or when this movement supposedly happened as I have lived in the house 8 years and haven't had any problems.

[Deleted User]

How do I also find out which of the 4 it is?