How do I get a subsidence check?

If you're interested in buying a property, but are unsure whether or not it is at risk, you can get a Subsidence Report. If there are any potential risks involved, you can then take any necessary steps. Alternatively, if you already own a property and start to notice signs of subsidence, you can request help from a structural engineer. They will carry out a survey on your house and tell you what the best course of action is. Early signs of subsidence are: cracks in walls (3mm) sticking doors or windows rippling wallpaper

Can I sell my house if it has subsidence?

You can still sell a house if it has subsidence, but this will significantly devalue your property. You are liable to let the buyer know of this issue. Alternatively, if they perform searches on your property, subsidence will be flagged as a risk, and you will have to lower the selling price.

Will my insurance cover subsidence?

Your insurance might cover subsidence, as long as this has never been an issue in the past. Your insurer will normally cover for repairing costs. You can compare home insurance quotes and pick out the one best suited for you.

Does a home buyers report check for subsidence?

A home buyer's survey will be able to indicate if there are any potential risks, but it will not go in-depth. If that is the case, you will still need a structural engineer to assess the extent of the issue. They will recommend if and how you can fix subsidence. It may be as simple as removing a tree, but in more extreme cases, you will have to underpin the building. Get an Instant Survey Quote Specialist Subsidence Structural Engineers - Fixed Fees - National Cover

Is there a subsidence risk postcode checker?

Unlike with flood, there is no official subsidence check postcode tool you can use online. If you are concerned, it is best to get a report before you risk buying a house with subsidence. This will flag any potential risks. For a more comprehensive assessment, you can also book a subsidence survey with a structural engineer, although this is more costly.

Are you worried about buying a house with a compromised structure? Find out if the property is at risk for a fixed fee of £45 INC VAT**. Report emailed within 2 working hours*.

The report will assess subsidence and landslide risks, as well as check for geo & mining and other hazards in the surrounding area.

Subsidence Report

by:

Andrew Boast

Last Updated: 11/08/2026

Read by:

1,844

5 min read

Key Takeaways

When buying a house, you must check for subsidence, as you want to make sure that the ground underneath it is stable.
Subsidence can be a result of different factors, such as trees in the near vicinity of the property, coal mining activity, clay subsoils or water leaking.
This subsidence report gives you a risk and information about remedial work that may need to be done. You can read an example report below.
This report costs £45 INC VAT** and the turnaround time is 2 working hours*.

How to check for subsidence

A subsidence survey, or report, also known as FCI Ground Stability Report, informs you if your property is in an area affected by subsidence due to soil shrinkage.

One of the greatest risks to properties is subsidence. If you're interested in buying a house, it is recommended you get a subsidence report, as the costs to repair damages caused by this can be very expensive.

This report will cover:

Property Subsidence Assessment
Geohazards
Mapped Landslides
Slope Instability
Mining Activity
Modified Ground
Natural Cavities & Soluble Rocks

Download Example

A subsidence survey is often flagged by solicitors as a requirement during the conveyancing process because it has been highlighted within the Environmental Report in the Ground Stability Section.

This report does not give full confirmation that you have subsidence, but it highlights that there are man-made factors or natural factors within 25-250 metres of the property, which might affect the property's stability.

Risks are flagged up as before at the start of the report as ‘Identified’ or 'None Identified'. Mortgage Lenders take subsidence very seriously and if they suspect that your property has any signs of subsidence, then they may not lend you the money until the issue is addressed.

Alternatively, if you're a cash buyer, you will not be required to get this search. However, if your house is at risk, this could end up causing you to suffer financial losses. It is recommended to get this report before making a purchase.

What is in a Subsidence Report?

Overall risk assessment

At the top of the report, in a very large font size, is an overall opinion of your property's level of subsidence risk, from low to very high risk.

Professional opinion

This next section explains in greater detail why your property has been given its risk rating. It further explains subsidence itself and then suggests ways in which you can take action to lessen your risk.

Detailed Subsidence Information

This section gives you an in-depth definition of subsidence and lists not just the main causes but many other indirect factors which may encourage the problem. The details provided can give you a greater number of points to consider when viewing any property you are considering buying.

Information about remedial work

This section explains what you should do if you have concerns about subsidence and, if it is found that a property has it, what certification any remedial work has to have to be regarded as legally acceptable.

Guide to high/very high risk ratings

This section makes clear that the report and its subsidence risk rating are essentially based on postcodes; an estimated 30% of postcodes in England and Wales have a high or very high risk. It explains what further checks you should carry out on the property to assess its risk, even if its postcode rating is high/very high.

Low

Cost

Delivered within

2 hours(i)

Data from

Local Authority

Fixed fee of £45 INC VAT** | Delivered within 2 working hours*

Frequently Asked Questions

CHECK

SELL

Insurance

HOMEBUYERS

POSTCODE

*This only applies to properties currently registered at the Land Registry with a downloadable title plan. If we cannot download a title plan we will inform you and refund the cost of the Report in full.

** 1ha = 10000 square meters Our prices are set for standard search reports, which are carried out on residential properties of up to 1ha. For properties larger than this (i.e. multiple dwelling properties or houses with extensive grounds/garden) we will require a surcharge of £10. If this applies to you, our search provider will notify us and we will then contact you to arrange payment.

***You can cancel your search and get a full refund if the report has not yet been ordered. You cannot cancel and get a refund of any of the money if the search is ordered and/or if the report has been sent to you. Most of our reports are delivered within 2 working hours, which means if you do want to cancel, please get in contact as soon as possible.

Written by: Andrew Boast

Andrew Boast FMAAT is a qualified accountant, conveyancing specialist and author with over 25 years of experience in the UK property sector. Since beginning his career in 2000 within established SRA and CLC-regulated conveyancing solicitor firms, Andrew has overseen the legal journeys of more than 75,000 clients.

He is the self-published author of the first-time buyer guide: How to Buy a House Without Killing Anyone, and a frequent contributor to mainstream UK media on legislative updates, property law, first-time buyer guides, conveyancing best practices, and stamp duty changes. Andrew specialises in resolving complex title issues, property conflict disputes, and property tax options, streamlining the enquiry process to reduce transaction times and maintaining a client-friendly focus.

Reviewed by: Amanda Ambler

Amanda Ambler is a highly accomplished conveyancing specialist with over 15 years of dedicated experience across residential property law, legal compliance, and practice management. Having held senior roles, including Head of Legal Practice and Head of Conveyancing at established UK law firms, Amanda possesses a profound, hands-on understanding of the technical intricacies of the property market.

As the designated Legal Content Reviewer for SAM Conveyancing, Amanda ensures that every guide, legal update, and resource published meets the absolute highest standards of accuracy, regulatory compliance, and factual integrity. Her rigorous review process guarantees that complex property legislation and industry processes are communicated clearly, transparently, and safely for home buyers and sellers alike.