Subsidence checks before buying
Start with the building, then check the ground and mining history. Cracks need professional interpretation because age, position and movement pattern matter.
Natural ground movement
The BGS property dataset updated on 2026-07-23 scores susceptibility from 1 to 100 and separately scores geology, foundations, drainage, building type, storeys and nearby trees from 1 to 10.
- Factor score max
- 10
- Factor score min
- 1
- Score max
- 100
- Score min
- 1
How this was counted
Postcode district. building-level susceptibility score and six component factors.
Coal-mining areas
The official report can identify mine entries within 20 metres of the boundary. Reports start at £27 plus VAT and usually arrive within 24 to 48 hours.
- Mine entry distance m
- 20
- Starting price gbp ex vat
- 27
- Usual delivery hours max
- 48
- Usual delivery hours min
- 24
How this was counted
Postcode district. current official search contents, starting fee and normal delivery window.
Physical evidence
Ask a surveyor to assess stepped cracking, distorted openings, recent patching and level changes. Obtain the claim and repair history where movement has been reported.
England and Wales
- Factor score max
- 10
- Factor score min
- 1
- Score max
- 100
- Score min
- 1
How this was counted
Postcode district. building-level susceptibility score and six component factors.
Coal-mining areas of the United Kingdom
- Mine entry distance m
- 20
- Starting price gbp ex vat
- 27
- Usual delivery hours max
- 48
- Usual delivery hours min
- 24
How this was counted
Postcode district. current official search contents, starting fee and normal delivery window.
Sources and method
- British Geological Survey Property Subsidence Assessment dataset. updated 2026-07-23. Retrieved 2026-08-03.
- Mining Remediation Authority property check. live service verified 2026-08-03. Retrieved 2026-08-03.
For an address-specific desk check, Property Diligence’s paid report adds the more detailed property-level information available from public sources.