Ground instabilty

[Sunshine45632]

Hello all, I am in a bit of a fix here. I have just received the initial search of a house from our solicitor and I've spent time looking through the documents. It does state that the potential for natural ground instability is very low and goes ahead to suggest that we carry out a home buyer survey. As first time buyers, we've spent a considerable amount of time worried about this as we're not sure what this means, neither do we understand the grading of natural ground instability. What is an acceptable potential to have? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Have you not had a survey yet? If you have the results of the searches back then you're probably fairly far into the process and I'd get that sorted sooner rather than later.

Otherwise, you just need to worry about potential ground instability in regards to subsidence which I'm sure you're aware. If there's no sign on the house like large exterior cracks, unable to properly close doors and windows and low instance of ground instability on your area you'll probably be fine. You can usually ring the surveyor after they've been to the property and they will answer any questions and likely be able to reassure. If there are any signs of structural issues on the house which is worrying you then book in a structural engineer also.

Oh, bless you. Very low means a very low risk - not something to be worried about. The search results will tell you about any known risks within a certain radius of the property. A homebuyers survey is a very standard thing to suggest and not a sign that this ‘very low’ risk is somehow terrible.

Surprised you’ve got as far as doing searches but haven’t had a homebuyers survey, especially if you’re this jumpy!

Is it a groundsure avista report you are looking at? The first time I saw one of those it scared the crap out of me, but my conveyancer talked me through what it all meant and reassured me. Call yours!