Subsidence Report

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.


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 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 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.