Subsidence & rebuilding

[sammycat]

We are looking at buying a 'building plot' that comes with a derelict house which also has subsidence due to the neighbours tree roots growing through the old drains. Plans have been drawn up to demolish and rebuild. Sounds ok so far. But am concerned about future insurance and reselling. Seeing as it'll be a new build and the subsidence was on the old, demolished house do you have to declare it?? Also, he neighbour hasn't removed the trees, so assume we will have to have 'super foundations' on the new build, do engineers cater for this situation - and again will this affect insurance and resale? Any advice would be gratefully received. x

[ladypie21]

Don't know about declaring the original subsidence although I would imagine it's not relevant. Engineers should design the new foundation depth to suit trees nearby and the type of ground (ie clay swells and shrinks when wet/dry and this is exaggerated when trees take moisture from the ground etc). The subsidence sounds like it was more to do with roots damaging pipework which leaked and the resulting water undermined the ground under the foundations. Ensuring new drains are protected from roots should prevent this recurring.

[sammycat]

Thank you that makes perfect sense x

[Spickle]

If selling in the future, you can truthfully say in the Property Info Form that the house has not suffered from subsidence, but when the title deeds are obtained from Land Registry it will show that there was a house built on the land in whatever year and the buying solicitor will make enquiries about it, so it is highly likely that you will have to explain the reason for demolishing the previous property. It shouldn't stop a potential purchaser but be prepared to have to provide answers and evidence to their satisfaction.