Subsidence is a dreaded term for many homeowners across the UK. It’s typically caused when the ground beneath a building compresses or sinks, making the foundations unbalanced. This results in the property’s foundation becoming misaligned, causing large cracks around the door frames and windows. Reading is located fairly close to London, contributing to its moderate risk of subsidence.
According to GeoBear’s UK Subsidence Map, Reading town centre is a hotspot for subsidence, with the immediate surrounding areas being at moderate to low risk. Subsidence is often caused by the ground beneath a property drying up due to the pressure and weight being put on it from a number of heavy buildings. Large cities and towns like Reading and London have densely packed areas with a variety of immense buildings, adding pressure to the ground and weakening it.
If you suspect the property you’re viewing has signs of subsidence, it’s advised you seek a property surveyor to assess the home, preferably through a thorough building survey. This will then highlight any potential risks and state if there is significant damage already being caused. Subsidence can greatly affect a building’s value so it’s worth investing in a survey even if it’s simply to provide evidence during the negotiations.
If you’re searching for property within Reading’s town centre or anywhere closer to London, it’s advised that you schedule a property survey to uncover any worrying issues that could be a result of subsidence. Don't forget to use Compare My Move to compare surveying quotes and save up to 70% on your costs.