Previous subsidence claim on house; is it all over??

[StarryEyesSunrise]

We're reasonably near completion on an otherwise unremarkable property, and the searches have come back saying there was a claim against a coal board for mining subsidence on the house we're buying about 15 years ago. Vendors lived in the house at the time but didn't own it (renting then bought), and are denying all knowledge of this ever happening. We've already had a full structural survey which made no mention of subsidence damage or repairs.

Tempted to drop the £200 on the full report immediately to find out exactly what the subsidence claim was for, but a friend reckons the mortgage company will rescind the mortgage offer as soon as they know about the subsidence claim, so is there even any point? Or am I mad to even consider proceeding even if the bank do say yes?

If they were tenants, would they have known what the owner did? Unlikely. It might not have been disclosed to them although their searches should have unearthed it.

It really depends how bad the subsidence was and if it’s still an issue. If it’s fixed, it’s fixed. So no ongoing issues. If the whole area is subject to mining subsidence then everyone might have claimed jointly.

I would try and find a surveyor or a structural engineer that knows the area. Mining subsidence rarely affects a single property so look for evidence of it affecting nearby properties too and evidence it’s not ongoing. A Good local engineering consultant should know about this.

If it's been fixed there's no need to worry. You seem to be jumping to the worst conclusion that it's ongoing.

You need a CON29M report on the property. In a coal mining area these are the standard reports and they are more like £400. Many properties are built over mines and your solicitor should access the report above for the area. If you live in a mining area, deep or shallow mine, it’s a possible issue, even on new houses. Not living in a mining area is the only definite way of avoiding worry.

Call and ask the mortgage company if they will still make the offer with the past claim

a friend reckons the mortgage company will rescind the mortgage offer as soon as they know about the subsidence claim

People do spout bollocks.

It’s a matter of getting the right reports, as pp have said.