Buying a house that has been underpinned

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I am planning to buy a house that is close to a very large, very protected Oak tree! We have just discovered that it has in fact been underpinned before. It was in the early 90s and shows absolutely no signs of further subsidence, but still I'm nervous.

Would you still buy it?

Anyone with any experience of buying a house like this? Any ideas on getting it insured?

Any advice most welcome!

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PRO
Dale Loth Architects
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
A successfully underpinned house is likely to be much more stable than comparable houses which haven't been underpinned. Unfortunately, most insurance companies see underpinned houses as an increased risk. Some specialist companies (= expensive) will insure recently underpinned houses including subsidence cover, often requiring a structural engineer's report and information about any continuing risks (e.g., the oak tree). My house was successfully underpinned in 2006 after subsidence apparently caused by a neighbour's ash tree. Since then I've had a limited choice of insurers, although a few more say they will insure underpinned houses after 10 years.

'Your' house's vendor ought to realise the importance of a structural engineer's report to be able to reassure potential purchasers. Perhaps you can also have a word with the current insurers and establish what the premium is and whether they would be willing to offer you a similar premium.
Gemma Juviler thanked Dale Loth Architects
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Buying a house that has been underpinned

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