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Original poster

What would you do about this - subsidence

16 replies

Baubleswithdiamonds · 04/01/2013 18:29

So, survey was carried out this week on the house we're trying to buy. It's Georgian detached with a mid-Victorian extension. I chatted with surveyor on the phone who said there are signs of significant 'movement' between the extension and main house but he can't tell if it's historic or progressive. It's on clay land, lots of large trees nearby, on a hill... I haven't seen the actual survey yet but it sounds like we need to get a structural engineer out - what will they do? Can they give us a definite answer without monitoring, which I understand takes months?

The house has been on and off the house previously this year though we don't know why the previous buyers pulled out.
The current vendors bought it about 6-7 years ago - if there was a major issue with subsidence, would it not have been flagged in some way, ie, it would have been monitored at some point? The mortgage valuation didn't pick up on it though the surveyor said it's noticeable from the external walls (bulging wall rather than crack I think).

Help! I know nothing about this or old houses in general. Dh is very nervous about taking on an old money-pit...

OP posts:

noddyholder · 04/01/2013 18:32

The best case scenario is the more experienced surveyor spots something that tells him it is historic straightaway and can assure you of likely course or more likely as they do like to cover their arses he will recommend monitoring which means you would have to really love the house and be prepared to go down the underpinning road at some point in the future. What insurance do the current owners have? Buyers pulling out almost 80% sure will be because movement strikes fear in most people

Original poster

Baubleswithdiamonds · 04/01/2013 18:32

I should add, it's not in London so not a 'London clay' issue.

OP posts:

noddyholder · 04/01/2013 18:35

Could it be pull from mismatched foundations of teh two different buildings

Original poster

Baubleswithdiamonds · 04/01/2013 18:37

But if the house is effectively unsellable because of movement then are the vendors just hoping that someone will come along who doesn't get a full survey etc?

Why would you let a venor proceed this far if you know the house needs major work? Or am I being very naive?

OP posts:

noddyholder · 04/01/2013 18:40

It depends on what the structural engineer says. he will check drains/vegetation/foundations and whether the old bit settled differently to the new etc. It may be historic and unlikely to move more. You need further information

timidviper · 04/01/2013 18:41

I thought the agent was obliged to tell you if they knew of structural issues with a house they were selling. If the previous sale fell through because of this, I wonder if they or the vendors should have warned you.

pepperrabbit · 04/01/2013 18:45

Our house had subsidence 20 years ago. I have a huge bundle of documents to prove it was treated and where the underpinning went. Surveys show it hasn't moved since. I will need all this to sell the house if we ever move, "luckily" it's a very common problem locally, half the town was underpinned in the 70s & 80s so anyone looking to buy here shouldn't be surprised.
Getting household insurance is still an enormous nightmare however. I was nearly in tears last year trying to get cover. My renewal (this morning!) is just shy of £600.
If you have ANY doubt, pay for the full monty surveys. Never underestimate the lengths people may go to to sell their house.
Buyer beware.

Original poster

Baubleswithdiamonds · 04/01/2013 18:49

Yes, and I did ask the EA direct why the previous sale fell through and he said he didn't know as it was with a different EA.

It just seems so short-sighted not to warn buyers of a major issue with the house.

The surveyor said his gut instinct is that it is historic - here's hoping he's right...

OP posts:

financialwizard · 04/01/2013 19:23

I agree with noddy you need more information. A full buildings report is probably your best bet. Better to spend £800 now than thousands later.

Original poster

Baubleswithdiamonds · 04/01/2013 20:37

We had the full structural survey - is a buildings report from a structural engineer? We will definitely ask an engineer to look at it - I don't think we have a choice now anyway as surely we would have to declare that the survey has found movement when we apply for buildings insurance?

Really feel like just walking away from it all, this house move is costing soooo much.

Thanks for the help.

OP posts:

financialwizard · 05/01/2013 09:17

Full structural is now known as buildings report just to con fiddle everybody

If your heart is not in it. You should walk away.

financialwizard · 05/01/2013 09:18

confuddle

digerd · 05/01/2013 09:46

First time I heard the word "underpinned", was when I was interested in buying a lovely detached house, and was told by the solicitor. My friends in that area told me to "not touch it with a barge pole", and they had wondered why that house had been on the market for over a year. I pulled out, as was told it would be difficult to sell.

Original poster

Baubleswithdiamonds · 06/01/2013 17:37

It's tricky as it is our 'dream house' in many ways eg, location, space, period etc and we're unlikely to ever move again - but we're at the top of our budget and so I'm very wary of taking on that is going to need significant work.

I'm quite overwhelmed at the moment with other stuff that's happening at home, which is why I just can't face anything complicated but maybe we'd be stupid to give up on this potentially lovely home just because RL is difficult at the moment (but will get easier)?

We've had a full structural survey arried out by the surveyor - would the SE do a 'home report'?

OP posts:

PollyFrances · 12/02/2013 22:28

I think you have to try separate your heart and your head. Buying a house is a Business decision. Get as much info as you can. We made the heart breaking decision to pull out of our dream home a few months back. It was also a Georgian property with a subsiding side extension. Infact the structural engineer found problems with other parts of the building too. We felt the owners were hiding things for a quick sale. They had defiantly spent money on new plasterwork and decoration in the extension part of the house which added to our suspicions. Subsidence is always caused by something and can usually be put right. It just takes time and money. You will always have to live with the fear that there is a black mark over you property which may prevent the future saleability. However, if you are confident you will never need to move it this may not matter... Good luck. I hope you manage to make the best decision for you and your family xxx

PollyFrances · 12/02/2013 22:35

Ps Old properties always need work and time and money spending on them. The require ongoing maintenance and are often money pits. Saying that I love character properties. Have a full survey and def a full structural report if you have doubts. It may cost now but it will give you the information you need to assess the risk to your future financi security. Make sure you also have money in reserve for any problems in the future. They inevitably always crop up when you are least expecting ....

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