Searches results showing moderate to high potential for natural ground subsidence? Help!

[randomgardener]

Hi all, we are in the process of buying a house and the searches results coming back stating:
"The property, or an area within 50m of the property, has a moderate to high potential for natural ground subsidence. The rating is derived from the British Geological Survey's GeoSure database, and is based upon the natural qualities of the geology at the site rather than any historical subsidence claims or events."

As far as we know, no claims have been made regarding the subsidence issues and the house was built in 1991 so relatively new-ish.
We tried to get house insurance online and the price seemed normal. Our concern is, will it affect the value of the house in the future if we want to resale or remortgage?

This is really stressing us out, need some advice/help here! 😩

I think large part of the country will show that result. We're on London clay, it's a risk for the whole area. There are two estates here, built in the 70s and 80s where its been a big problem, but our house and others around it have been here since 60s with no issues.

Thanks @Bluetoe
And for more info, there's no big tree near or around the house and we're located in SW

Could be an old mining area, can you ask why there is a risk or look it up yourself on line. I would want to know more before buying it, I'm not sure your insurance would cover it if you did have problems, did you disclose the survey results when you got a quote?

London clay is a shrinkable clay, but foundations should take that sort of ground condition into account in modern houses, so shouldn't be a problem. (Removing big established trees can be a problem in it's own right as the ground may then heave, having settled gradually over many years.)

We have had a Level 2 survey and it stated:
"There was no evidence of any recent major cracking or distortion to suggest that there are problems with the structure or ground conditions.
Buildings of this age and type with shallow foundations are susceptible to seasonal movements in ground from seasonal hydration cycles of the ground and further movement cannot be ruled out, but this is an inherent problem with the buildings of this age and construction and is typical for them and should not be unexpected.
The ground conditions are believed to be clay. Clay contains a high amount of silts. These are susceptible to ground movement due to changes of moisture content within the soil.
Enquiries should be made to the Vendor to establish whether any form of structural repair such as underpinning has been carried out to any part of the building. If this is found to be the case, then the building’s insurers should be fully aware of such matters."

Sounds like surveyors just covering their backs in that case.