Many homeowner policies will attempt to exclude these kinds of claims. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, sinkholes can occur naturally as well. Underground water streams can erode a subsurface area, thereby resulting in a surface area collapse. Again, consult a qualified geologist before you purchase. You do not want to get stuck with unbuildable property.
Any underground void can cause a sinkhole.
This can include underground storage tanks that were emptied and kept in place. Over the years, these tanks may collapse from surrounding pressure, causing a sinkhole to develop. A leaking water main can also result in a sinkhole. In New Jersey, sinkholes have developed that have been caused by buried construction debris. Though not technically legal, some builders will bury small amounts of debris after they have completed their project.