Should I Buy a House with Structural Movement?

Should I Buy a House with Structural Movement?

Discovering that a house you are interested in shows signs of structural movement can be enough to send a shiver down the spine of even the most confident buyer. Cracks in walls, uneven floors or notes from a surveyor mentioning subsidence are understandably alarming. Yet structural movement is not always as disastrous as it sounds. In many cases, it is manageable, repairable and even relatively common in certain types of UK property.

Understanding what structural movement is, how serious it might be and whether it should affect your decision to buy requires expert insight. This article will guide you through the different types of movement, the risks involved and how to assess whether a property is worth pursuing despite the concerns.

What Is Structural Movement?

Structural movement refers to the shifting or settling of a building’s foundations or structural elements over time. It may be caused by soil conditions, water levels, tree roots, poor drainage or simply the age and construction style of the property. There are different forms of movement, ranging from historic settlement that no longer affects the structure to active subsidence that continues to cause damage.

Movement becomes a concern when it causes visible signs such as stepped cracks in brickwork, misaligned doors and windows or sloping floors. These symptoms may point to underlying instability or damage that could worsen without proper attention. However, it is important to remember that not all cracks or movements are dangerous. Some may be cosmetic or the result of long past settling that is no longer active.

Older homes, especially those built before modern foundations were common, often display signs of slight movement due to the natural shift of ground over decades. This does not necessarily mean the building is unsafe or unsuitable for purchase.

How Serious Is the Movement?

The seriousness of structural movement depends on its cause, extent and whether it is ongoing. A qualified structural engineer or chartered surveyor can assess whether the movement is active or historic. Historic movement refers to shifts that occurred in the past but have since stabilised. These may leave visible signs but pose little structural risk.

Active movement, on the other hand, is still happening and can get worse if not addressed. This may be caused by clay soil that expands and contracts with changing moisture levels, leaking drains undermining the foundations or large trees drawing water from the ground and causing shrinkage. Active movement must be investigated thoroughly and may require structural underpinning or remedial works to stabilise the home.

The severity of the issue will influence your ability to obtain a mortgage, the cost of repairs and your long term confidence in the property.

Can You Get a Mortgage on a Property with Movement?

Lenders are cautious when it comes to structural movement. If a survey highlights potential subsidence or movement, your mortgage provider will likely require further investigation before making a lending decision. In many cases, a structural engineer’s report will be needed to clarify the extent of the problem and the recommended course of action.

If the movement is minor or historic and no longer active, many lenders will proceed without issue, though some may still insist on insurance to protect their interest. If underpinning or repairs are required, the lender may impose conditions or offer a reduced loan amount until the works are completed and signed off by a professional.

Properties that have already been underpinned and come with full certification and a structural warranty are often considered more favourably, though they can still attract higher insurance premiums.

How Does It Affect Insurance and Future Value?

One of the main concerns with structural movement is insurability. Buildings insurance for properties with known subsidence or movement can be more expensive and sometimes difficult to obtain. Specialist insurers often step in to offer cover, but this may come at a premium and with certain exclusions.

You will also need to disclose any known movement to insurers and future buyers, particularly if the property has been underpinned. While this does not automatically reduce the value of the home, it can make it harder to sell or lead to lower offers, especially if buyers are put off by the perceived risk.

A home with a clear history of movement may still offer long term value if the issue has been resolved properly and all documentation is in place. In some cases, buyers can negotiate a reduced price and carry out the repairs themselves, resulting in a solid investment over time.

What Should You Check Before Proceeding?

If you are serious about buying a house with signs of structural movement, the first step is to commission a full structural survey. This will help establish whether the movement is active or historic and identify the likely cause. If further investigation is needed, a structural engineer’s report will provide a more detailed assessment and recommendations.

You should ask the seller for any historical documentation relating to the issue, including past surveys, repair works, warranties and correspondence with insurers. If the property has been underpinned, obtain proof of the work carried out and ensure it was signed off by a qualified engineer.

It is also important to speak to your solicitor about any past insurance claims or legal disputes connected to the movement. Your conveyancer will be able to advise on the implications and whether additional checks are needed before you exchange contracts.

Should You Walk Away?

Deciding whether to walk away from a property with structural movement depends on a combination of risk, cost and peace of mind. If the problem is active and serious, with no clear path to repair or uncertain long term outcomes, it may not be worth the stress. Similarly, if you are a first time buyer or have limited funds for potential works, a more straightforward purchase may be wiser.

However, if the issue is minor, historic or fully repaired with documentation in place, there may be no reason not to proceed. In fact, you may be able to secure the home at a better price and enjoy a strong resale value once you have added your own improvements.

Buying a property with structural movement is not for everyone, but with the right professional advice and thorough investigation, it can still be a smart and rewarding decision.