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Selling with Open Subsidence Claim

4 replies

CarlaBarcelona · 17/01/2025 18:10

Hi all - I'm in the process of getting my flat on the market. In the worst timing ever, our neighbor (in the same building) has found evidence of subsidence in his bay window. The engineers came round for the initial survey and told us in person that they didn't think it was major but the Insurers need to monitor it for up to a year (at which point they might conclude its historical and nothing to worry about). The engineers said we shouldn't be worried and could still sell but our broker has advised no buyer would get a mortgage.

We're really worried. Ours is a really gorgeous flat, no issues at all and on a lovely leafy road but being in London it's on clay like many others.

Has anyone sold with an active subsidence claim before? What's your advice? We need to move because we want a family so time is ticking and we can't stay put. I have no idea what to do! It feels so unfair when our flat is issue free and in great condition. Help!

OP posts:
TizerorFizz · 17/01/2025 18:16

@CarlaBarcelona I do think this will cause problems. Mainly because you might well have to declare an issue with the building. I agree it’s very difficult but buyers might be very wary. Sorry. However just a bay window is very little and it’s probably got next to no foundations. Maybe ask a decent estate agent for advice. Have they got experience of selling anything similar?

CarlaBarcelona · 17/01/2025 18:49

TizerorFizz · 17/01/2025 18:16

@CarlaBarcelona I do think this will cause problems. Mainly because you might well have to declare an issue with the building. I agree it’s very difficult but buyers might be very wary. Sorry. However just a bay window is very little and it’s probably got next to no foundations. Maybe ask a decent estate agent for advice. Have they got experience of selling anything similar?

Thanks @TizerorFizz Yes, I rang a couple of different estate agents for advice. A smaller independent agent wouldn't take it but the big ones like Foxtons seemed quite relaxed about it. I guess I'm just looking for someone who might have been through it as it feels overwhelming right now, especially TTC at the same time and the timings of it all. Maybe we just rent it out in the short term and rent somewhere to start a family in...

OP posts:
everythingcrossed · 17/01/2025 18:58

If you can sit tight for a year, I would. You might be able to sell - but whoever buys it would be looking for a huge discount. Bay windows coming away from the main building aren't uncommon so it's ridiculous that it causes such a hoo-ha but, unfortunately, that's the situation you've found yourself in.

TizerorFizz · 17/01/2025 19:05

DH is a structural engineer and they will monitor something that’s not obviously major. I think you might have to stay put. The bright side is it’s being dealt with! Not ignored. That would be a bigger issue!

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