Historic movement

Marzbars

Hi Everyone, 

Just looking for some advise please, FTB here and I am in the process of buying a mid terraced property built in the 1970s and our level 2 survey showed historic movement to the internal walls, he thinks the cause was due the neighbouring property having suffered subsidence several years ago due to a tree but apparently this has been resolved and unlikely that any further movements will occur. I am now stuck and not sure what to do, should I continue with the purchase or just look elsewhere? This property ticks all the boxes but does historic movement mean subsidence? There aren’t any cracks outside of the property and only a small one by the window in one of the bedrooms. 

TroubledTarts

What does the survey say in full?

ChirpyChicken

Not an ex mining area?

Marzbars

@TroubledTarts the survey states : there is evidence of movement to internal walls which is considered to be historic, such movement often shows in door frames being not rectangular or visible cracking to main walls around opening. 

The neighbouring property has suffered from subsidence a number of years ago, the vendor stated this was from a tree that was in adequately maintained. This is likely the cause of historic movement at the property, it looks like there has been no further movement in recent years and I am not overly concerned.

It would be prudent to take out insurance for any further movement if unlikely.

The surveyor states “vendor” in the last section  however he referring to the tenant who lives in the property, as the vendors have been renting the property out for 10 years or so, I am just in the process of finding out whether the vendors are even aware of this. 

Marzbars

@ChirpyChicken not that I am aware of but  I believe a lot of properties in the area are built on shrinkable sub soil. 

MysteryMe

Quite common to have historic settlement and if the surveyor puts in writing they are not overly concerned then it sounds just as it says, something that happened in the past but not happening now. When I bought my house nearly 30 years ago there was historic settlement, got insurance OK and not had any problems since.

Being able to get buildings insurance with subsidence covered is important. When contacting the vendor might be an idea to see who they are insured with and what cover they have.  When getting quotes, speak to a human being so you can explain what the survey says, like I said this is not an unusual occurrence but you obviously need to declare it.

You are right to make further enquiries but unless there are issues with obtaining insurance cover I would not be overly concerned.