Check your subsidence risk by postcode

The quickest way to understand your risk is to check your postcode. A subsidence risk postcode checker uses data from geological surveys and historical subsidence claims by postcode to build a picture of your area's ground stability.

Geobear subsidence risk by postcode

Updated soil data accuracy and new tree selector to give homeowners, landlords, and property managers a clearer understanding of potential subsidence risk in their area. By entering the first part of your postcode, you can see how your location ranks based on subsidence case data, soil conditions, and nearby vegetation. It’s free, instant, and based on the latest data we use when assessing ground movement. (Currently only available for England and Wales)

Check your postcode for subsidence risk

  • Estimated subsidence risk level (low / medium / high)
  • Number of subsidence cases per 1,000 homes
  • The soil type and its impact on ground movement
  • New option to indicate presence of large trees nearby

This tool is based on regional data and generalised soil maps. For an accurate, expert-led diagnosis, please contact Geobear.

Interactive
Subsidence map

The map was created with This is Money / Daily Mail. Geobear provided over 10,000 records, each verified as a subsidence incident and they were used as part of a This is Money report.

View of dry, cracking clay soil with a little green grass on the edges. Deep cracks are visible in the soil.

 

Why are some areas a higher risk? The UK's great divide

The key factor for natural ground subsidence in the UK is soil type. The country is largely divided between the older, harder rock of the north and west, and the younger, softer clays of the south and east.

A vast area of England, particularly the London and South East regions, is built on shrinkable clay soil. This type of soil is highly susceptible to changes in moisture – it swells when wet and shrinks dramatically during dry spells. This shrinking and swelling is the primary cause of over 75% of subsidence cases.

In fact, insurers have identified 226 postcodes that are most susceptible to subsidence claims, all located in the clay-rich south-east of England. If you have a shrinkable clay soil map of the UK, you'll see it closely matches the subsidence risk area map.

What does a "high subsidence risk" rating really mean?

Living in a high subsidence risk area doesn't automatically mean your home will have problems. It simply means the ground has the potential for movement. The actual risk to your property depends on several factors, including:

  • The type and depth of your foundations.
  • The proximity of large trees and shrubs.
  • The condition of your drains.


A ground stability survey or site investigation can give you a definitive answer, but knowing your area's general risk is a crucial first step.

screenshot-2025-06-26-at-10-05-36

 

What should I do if I'm in a high-risk area?

 

1
Don't panic

The first step is to be vigilant. Look for the common signs of subsidence, like diagonal cracks appearing in walls, or doors and windows that begin to stick.

2
Get expert advice

If you are concerned, the next step is to get expert advice. At Geobear, we kill uncertainty with clear answers and proven solutions. We can help you understand if the signs you're seeing are cause for concern and what your options are. The Geobear cost for a permanent solution is often more affordable than homeowners think, especially compared to the stress and disruption of traditional methods.

Don't let worry be your first reaction. Let knowledge be.

Contact our team for a free consultation or get an instant quote online. We can give you the peace of mind you need.

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