Subsidence is often the last word you want to hear (learn more about what subsidence is) when you’re viewing a potential new home. But do not fear, as it needn’t immediately write off a property which you have your heart set on.
It is still, however, something that you need to be aware of when looking for a new home. To help you, the Geobear team have put together a list of things to consider when viewing a house:
These include cracks in walls, sinking floors and doors and windows sticking. Visit Geobear’s Subsidence page for all the signs to look out for.
Professional surveyors will be able to identify if the property has previously, or is currently, suffering from subsidence, as well as assess the likelihood of it occurring in the future.
An open conversation with the people currently occupying the residence should help you to understand the extent of any subsidence issues, as well as the history of any treatment the house has undergone for such a problem.
Speaking to a range of property insurers will give you a feel for what an insurance quote might be like for a house susceptible to subsidence. Doing this early on will allow you to take this into consideration when financially planning for your purchase.
When purchasing a home with confirmed subsidence issues, you will want to invest in insurance from a provider who specialises in this kind of property. Spending a bit of time researching different options will pay off in the long run, as you will be able to identify the best possible deal.
After finding an insurance broker who fits all your needs, it is a good idea to contact them as soon as possible. This will help you to ensure that they are happy to cover your home before any purchase goes ahead.
A professional engineer will easily be able to prescribe any work which needs to be carried out.
After an engineer has recommended any work which needs to be carried out, your estate agent should be able to negotiate to have the cost of these works taken off the proposed house price.
If this is a long-term purchase for you and you have accepted the property’s subsidence risk, then this should not matter. However, if you think you might want to resell the house in the near future, then it is something you need to consider as early as possible, as it is likely to affect the ease with which you will be able to do so.
So, subsidence needn’t be the end of the world when it comes to finding your dream property. However, it is something you need to be aware of as early as possible, with the help of a team like the one here at Geobear, you will be able to enjoy many happy and safe years in your new home.