What is subsidence?

The 3 things you should know about subsidence before buying a property

Subsidence is something no homeowner wants to discover on their property. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what subsidence is, and offer some valuable information on what to look for before buying a home you think might be suffering from it.

What is subsidence?

Put simply, subsidence is the process of the ground beneath your home ‘sinking’. It’s a term dreaded by homeowners, as it can have a dramatic impact on the value and safety of the property in both the long and short term.

As the house sinks, the foundations often become poorly aligned. There are a few signs to look out for (as we will outline) but there is no sure way to detect it on sight without expert help.

What causes subsidence?

There are a few key risk factors that could lead to subsidence. They include everything from the age of the property to the environment your home is located within, and even whether there’s a leaking water pipe!

  • Risk factor: Draught

Is your home in a hot country where there’s limited rain? Then this could dry out the soil and increase the chances of subsidence. Consider this factor carefully before making a purchase and look out for warning signs if you already own a home that meets these criteria.

  • Risk factor: Age

Older homes have a higher risk of subsidence, given the shallow foundations that were commonplace during the time of construction. Your home might be showing signs of subsidence if you notice cracks in the wall, for instance.

This doesn’t mean all ‘old’ homes are at risk, however. Some are built using different materials, which can make subsidence less likely.

  • Risk factor: Leaks

Leaks from drains or water pipes can cause the property to sink into the soil, leading to subsidence.

Things to know before you buy

There are some things that can be done to prevent subsidence, particularly if you’ve already identified the risk factors.

Try to limit water around the property to stop the soil from becoming saturated. Maintenance of your home will help with this problem, but it is sure to be a concern when you’re buying a home.

If all else fails, then talk to a surveyor and find out what the best next step is to help deal with the subsidence. They will offer the best guidance.

Should you decide to go ahead with a property purchase on a house with subsidence, listen carefully to the advice and implement whatever you can to help deal with the problem before it escalates.

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