Archived Topic
Topic ID 385
13/12/2004 by A Grove
Hertford Homes
I am currently in the process of purchasing a property in Hertford. The land search has just come back indicating that there is a “moderate to high” risk of natural ground subsidence within 250 meters of the property. I spoke to the British Geological Society and they advised me that most of Hertford would probably come up with this sort of reading as it was built on chalk and ‘swelling clay’.
I would be grateful if any Hertford residents could inform me whether they encountered this problem when purchasing their house?
0 replies
Archived Replies
Reply ID 2881
13/12/2004 by Steve
If you're referring to the HomeCheck website, I've found it to be somewhat inaccurate. I'm not aware of a general or widespread problem with subsidence other than what might be expected. It would be interesting to see what other forum members think.
Reply ID 2882
13/12/2004 by Ewoowar
I would suggest that you speak to the estate agents and also to knock on your potential neighbours doors and have a chat (without worrying them!). Those that have been in the area for a while will know if there is a history of subsidence in the area. In addition I believe the vendors are legally obliged to inform purchasers if there is a history of subsidence in the area........or am I wrong?
Personally I didn't encounter this problem when buying my house. However, if I had spoken to the potential new neighbours I would have found out that a house at the end of my road had been underpinned. And that may have affected our decision to buy.
And then I buy the place........in a flood plain, next to a stream, above where according to a 100 year old Ordnance Survey map there used to be a ditch, blah, blah, blah.
A Grove..........where are you buying?
Reply ID 2885
13/12/2004 by A Grove
We have been looking to buy in Mount Road.
I'm not sure that there is a history of subsidence in the area - more that there is an elevated risk of it. I think I may have to pop up there and knock on a few doors. I'm waiting for the surveyor to get back to me at the moment so hopefully it will put my mind at rest. As I said earlier, the woman at the geological society indicated to me that it was a potential problem in Hertford but that's at least 2 people who haven't heard of it.....
Reply ID 2886
13/12/2004 by Ewoowar
Mount Road used to be 25 metres further up the hill until "The Great Slip" of '82.
Only kidding. Sorry! I know of no problems in the area. Anyone else?
I would suggest the locals, neighbours, etc. Also, aremed with the land search information it would be worth giving some focus to your surveying engineer. He will be able to pick up any signs of slippage or repair in the property or those in the vicinity.
Reply ID 2895
13/12/2004 by Joby
There is certainly a problem in Bengeo. A house on Byde Street had a great hole open up in front of their house, this was repaired earlier this year. Our house also has had underpinning work done on the front bay in the past. Appparently alot of this is due to underground streams in the area. Last summer was a particular problem as it was so hot, many of the underground streams dried up and hence the ground "shrunk".
Reply ID 2897
13/12/2004 by Ewoowar
Our claim has been ongoing for 7 years. We were completely repiled. We moved back in 2 and half years ago and the work is still not finished. Any friendly solicitors out there?
Reply ID 2904
13/12/2004 by JohnSmith
It's possible. I live on Sele Farm which is about 500m away judging by Streetmap. We have a history of holes opening up. It's down to a chalk base with a covering of gravel. When it rains over a long period, the rain seeps through the gravel and finds a weak spot in the chalk. The rainwater then erodes the weak spot and the gravel eventually falls in.
Two appeared in the parking bays in Tudor Way about 3 or 4 years ago.
Reply ID 2907
13/12/2004 by Ewoowar
Our house was repiled to a depth of 25 metres.
Reply ID 2925
14/12/2004 by jez_p
If you buy a house that hasn't been underpinned then make sure your buildings insurance will cover you if you need it in the future.
If your house has been underpinned then you may only be able to insure it with the insurance company that paid for the underpinning.
Reply ID 2927
14/12/2004 by Joby
quote:
Originally posted by jez_p
If you buy a house that hasn't been underpinned then make sure your buildings insurance will cover you if you need it in the future.
If your house has been underpinned then you may only be able to insure it with the insurance company that paid for the underpinning.
We were able to insure our house with another company, but they insisted on seeing the engineering "certificate of satisfactory completion" from the company who carried out the work.
Reply ID 2928
14/12/2004 by Ewoowar
Do you think we've scared A Grove off yet?
Reply ID 2932
14/12/2004 by Joby
quote:
Originally posted by Ewoowar
Do you think we've scared A Grove off yet?
Probably trying to claw back his deposit as we speak [:)]
Cynical buggers, aren't we?
Seriously A Grove - the odd hole in the ground aside, you're making a good choice moving here.
12 replies