Finding insurance for a property that has suffered from structural movement in the past can be tricky. If you are buying a property that has suffered from subsidence or has been previously underpinned then it is sensible to ensure that you can obtain adequate insurance cover to satisfy your mortgage provider.

Most, if not all mortgage providers will require that your insurance covers you for subsidence, heave and landslip, in other words that you are covered should the problem of movement arise again.

There are many signs that a building is suffering with movement, but the most noticeable are diagonal cracks in the brick work and plaster, or a door or window not opening and closing as it should. These should be fully investigated by a qualified structural engineer and a structural report produced. It is likely that you will need this for your mortgage and insurance applications.

Many underwriters are averse to offering cover for properties that have been previously underpinned or suffered movement due to the large cost that can be incurred when remedial work is carried out. Therefore, if you are considering buy a property which has suffered movement, you should approach the existing insurer first when searching for you own insurance cover. You should ensure appropriate cover can be secured early in the purchasing process. It can sometime take longer than expected to obtain cover and this will likely hold up any mortgage application.

It is also worth pointing out that any future property value will be affected by previous movement regardless of how long ago the damage occurred and was repaired. However the risk of future problems can be reduced by regular maintenance of water drainage systems, also trees and bushes near to the property should be regularly cut back to prevent excessive growth.

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Previously Underpinned Property Insurance