Buying a House Affected by Mining

5hpr

Hi there,

I am close to perhaps making an offer on a house. It is part of a large development, built in 2000 by Taylor Wimpey. I am a first time buyer and I have discovered an 'issue' and would perhaps like some reassurance from more experienced members on here.

Having done my own research on the property prior to making an offer, I have noticed that the property (and many others in the estate) are in a 'high development risk' area for mining.

Using the Interactive Map on the Coal Authority website coupled by Google Maps, I have been able to determine there is a mine shaft around 105m away (as the crow flies) as well as another 110m away which is also beside an 'adit'.

As the property is in Scotland, there is a Home Report which is a basic survey. It says there is no subsidence and the house is in very good condition for its age.

I used Confused.com for Building Insurance and this came back as £100 for the year (for a three bed semi-detached). I think the insurers prices would reflect issues caused by the mines if there were any?

Nevertheless the house is in a high development risk area, is on an area of coal outcrops. It is very close (maybe 10m) away from an area with 'Past Shallow Coal Mine Works' and in a larger area that has 'Probable Past Shallow Coal Mine Works'.

This has me all freaked out. Not so much regarding subsidence, but perhaps the saleability of the home going forward.

I think (hope) Taylor Wimpey would have done everything correctly when preparing the land and I don't imagine there will be any issues. I am not near a shaft (less than 20m seems to be more of a concern)? But the rest of the stuff bothers me. However it affects a large number of houses in the estate.

I know the obvious answer is to walk away, but I really like the house and the location.

Looking at the Interactive Map it appears that there are similar areas in large towns all across Scotland. Is this something I don't need to worry about because I am not very near to a shaft?

Any guidance would be most appreciated.

davidmcn

ShaunP wrote: »

is this something I don't need to worry about because I am not very near to a shaft?

It's something you shouldn't need to worry about because it's a modern development and they'll have done detailed surveys to check for any shafts or other cavities close to the surface before designing their foundations etc. You might even be able to read the reports submitted with the planning application (though might be too long ago to be available on the planning dept's website).

As you'll have seen, large areas of the Central Belt are on coalfields so it's not really an issue you can easily avoid.

5hpr

davidmcn wrote: »

It's something you shouldn't need to worry about because it's a modern development and they'll have done detailed surveys to check for any shafts or other cavities close to the surface before designing their foundations etc. You might even be able to read the reports submitted with the planning application (though might be too long ago to be available on the planning dept's website).

As you'll have seen, large areas of the Central Belt are on coalfields so it's not really an issue you can easily avoid.

Thank you for the feedback. I had a look just there for the reports but couldn't find any.

I am a worrier and like things to be perfect. It is easy to be fixated on the flaws of a house, but this just really bothered me and think I just need some reassurance.

I noticed one of the houses in the estate actually quite close to a mine shaft sold quite quickly and another is under offer. I am perhaps worrying unnecessarily.

davidmcn

ShaunP wrote: »

I am perhaps worrying unnecessarily.

No, you are definitely worrying unnecessarily.

foxy-stoat

The developers wouldn't of built 100's of properties if there were a high risk that lenders would not give mortgages on.

You may be a worrier but I suspect lenders and underwriters are professional worriers and if its good enough for them it should be good enough for you.