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Today we launch our Risk Series, to examine the top five conveyancing risks in more detail.

Each week we will analyse a different risk, and will discuss further in the Q&A session of our upcoming webinar. Today our focus is on Ground Stability.

Subsidence: what is it? What causes it? And how can you find out if you are affected?

Subsidence is a common problem in the UK and is defined as the vertical downward movement of the ground. If a building is located above, this will result in the damage to a building and its foundations. Subsidence is thought to affect up to 20% of residential properties in England and Wales. This is costly to the insurance industry with over 10,000 homeowners making claims worth £64 million, and in the summer/autumn of 2018, saw a ten-fold increase in subsidence claims associated with the heatwave. (1). The area most affected by subsidence is in the South East of England largely down to the properties being built on clay rich soils of the Wealden Formation and are subject to changes in shrink and swell from varying moisture content.

Causes

Subsidence can be caused naturally or can be man-made. Typically, subsidence is caused by the addition or removal of water and vegetation, and when these are combined with weight, angle of slope, gravity and geology, can result in a variety of subsidence issues.

Water plays a huge part in subsidence and can have a number of implications to the underlaying geology. Changes in moisture content affects clay minerals which are prone to volume changes and can result naturally and from man-made issues. Clay minerals will absorb water when wet (making them swell) and lose water as they dry (making them shrink) and is one of the most common causes of subsidence costing the economy an estimated £3 billion over the past decade (2)

Changes in water content can occur naturally, via seasonal variations of wet winters and dry summers. The heat waves in 2003 and 2006 led to peaks in subsidence claims. The summer of 2018 was reported by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to cause highest quarterly jump in subsidence claims for more than 25 years, where over 10,000 households made claims worth a total of £64 million during July to September in 2018 (ABI, 2018). Climate change is expected to increase these extremes of wet/dry periods and is likely to see an increase in subsidence claims associated with shrink-swell mechanism.

The addition of water from leaking drains, changes of surface drainage and landscaping can result in either increased weight (and increase in gravitational pull) overcoming frictional forces resulting in a landslip, it can also cause the ground to soften and compress under the foundations but can also cause soil particles to wash away beneath foundations and result in instability.

Water, typically rainwater, which is slightly more acidic, can attack alkaline geological formations, typically chalk and limestone by dissolving the minerals. Within the ground, this can form a cavern or cave passage. As the cavern becomes larger, this starts to cause the geological layers above to start to sink, and over time they may slowly slump into fissures (if sandy), or if formed of clay, the cavern below can become much larger before collapsing into the ground causing a drop out sinkhole, which is usually reported in the news. Typically, sinkholes are located the Mendips, parts of Wales, the Peak District, and the northern Pennines including the Yorkshire Dales, where there are underlying limestones. Also, in parts of Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex and the Chilterns where they have younger Clay-with-Flint deposits above the Chalk. Sinkholes can also occur in salt deposits such as Cheshire where brine is extracted.

Vegetation, most notably, trees can cause subsidence in a number of ways; they can draw water out of the soil causing it to shrink, as above. A mature oak tree can draw up to 1,000 litres per day. The second way is through the displacement of soil as the root grows within the ground, pushing up foundations. Vegetation, typically plants with dense root systems can help bind non-cohesive soils together, however if these are removed, can cause the ground to loosen and move.

Changes in weight above the ground can also result in subsidence. Usually when a new build property is constructed, there is a period whereby you can expect some compression on the ground. Insurers typically wouldn’t accept a claim for natural compression unless it is found that the foundations or structure of the building wasn’t constructed to building regulations standards. Changes in weight can also be caused by the addition of water or vegetation.

Should we be concerned about subsidence?

As we know most houses will experience some settling for short time after its been build as the ground is compressed due to the new structure. However, with new builds, we often assume that due diligence is completed by the developer before a housing estate is built and mitigation is carried out beforehand. More land is being developed on, and the supply of suitable land is limited.

On 7 November 2019, a landslide occurred on a disused quarry slope in Mansfield. The landslide affected over 35 properties and 60 people had to be evacuated.

The Berry Hill housing estate was built between 2003 and 2011 within a former sandstone quarry. Two roads were built very close to a steep quarry slope (15-19m away from a 25m high slope). Mansfield District Council reported that the gardens extend to the base of the slope, with a 3m exclusion zone designed to allow small-scale block failures and localised washouts and slumps. However, the landslide which occurred as termed a block fall, followed by an earth/debris flow, which covered the majority of three residential gardens. The landslide was caused as a result of intense rainfall and 6 months of above average rainfall which ultimately also caused flooding in Yorkshire and surrounding regions. Much of the geology in this area is composed of weathered sandstone and this became unstable. In addition, artificial ground, on top of the quarry slope was deposited from the quarry and this also became unstable.

Properties can also be built above historical mining areas which can cause instability. The Bayfield estate in West Allotment, North Tyneside which was built in 2011 is an example of this.

After its construction, subsidence and cracking were being reported in 2015 and was investigated resulting in families being evacuated in June 2016, and later permanently relocated in January 2017 when it was found that severe subsidence issues were identified.

The Coal Authority were involved in the investigation, and it was found that there was an unrecorded mine under the development which heavily extracted coal by up to 70%, leaving huge extraction cavities under the ground, held up by narrow pillars and shallow ceilings causing roof instability. After this investigation, 15 properties on the housing estate had to be demolished.

Who pays for the subsidence issues?

The Government has advised planning authorities, through Planning Policy Statements (PPS) 1 and 12, that the planning system must regulate the development of land. Planning Policy Guidance 14 sets out how slope instability should be considered in any planning application and if landsliding has been identified or is a known issue then the developer must provide evidence that any development activity will not exacerbate landslide activity and that any building will be safe. Therefore, the liability can be on the developer.

In the case of Berry Hill estate, the council were happy that planning conditions had been met for the Berry Hill Quarry Development, and the council commissioned specialist consultants to clear the 1,300 tonnes of material that slipped, tree removal, and install blocks and bunds to give temporary protection to the affected properties. The council also provided claim forms to the affected residents for property damage and recompensed the residents.

For the Bayfield Estate, under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991, meant that the Coal Authority has liability for historic coal mining subsidence claims and the damage claim paid out to the homeowners on the Bayfield Estate was the largest single event we have ever dealt with.

Buildings insurance is not compulsory but is necessary in areas affected by subsidence and will provide financial help in an event of a landslide or subsidence damage. This is particularly important for older properties built on landslide susceptible areas before planning guidance was implemented in 1990 and those outside of their 10-year building warranties such as NHBC.

But property owners are also responsible for not causing damage to their property or that of others by exacerbating landslide hazards, and if it is found that the property wasn’t appropriately taken care off, insurance and building warranties may not pay out.

How can I find out about subsidence?

Whilst there are datasets out there on landslides, these aren’t always easy to interpret and do not come with any PI cover. If you are acting for a client within a property transaction, it is best to order an environmental report which addresses subsidence issues. This report should provide information on the risk of all forms of subsidence issues, infilled land, mining and subsidence claims data. Landmark Information Group provide such a report within RiskView Residential and can be ordered as part of a standard pack. If subsidence is identified, it is then best to seek advice from a RICS Charter Surveyor to conduct a building survey.

FREE WEBINAR

RiskView Residential: Efficient environmental due diligence

The stamp duty holiday created huge, unsustainable pressure on the conveyancing industry.

One key topic that has arisen from it is: how do we achieve more efficient conveyancing? How can we obtain and communicate the key information and risks relevant to the transaction in a faster, more concise manner?

Join OneSearch and Landmark for one of two 30-45 minute sessions to discuss how we can help reduce time spent obtaining and reviewing searches, whilst providing greater risk transparency and saving your client money.

We’d be delighted answer any questions you may have. Please email your questions to intro@onesearchdirect.co.uk in advance and they will be answered during the webinar.

Wednesday Aug 11, 2021 11:00 AM BST

Wednesday Aug 18, 2021 11:00 AM BST

If you cannot make either date, and would like to receive a webinar recording, please click here.

Key References:

Today’s spotlight shines on Angela, who is part of the ever-growing cohort of veterans in the OneSearch family, having been with the company for an incredible TWENTY ONE YEARS. Angela is our Deputy Data & Highways Manager and has consistently gone above and beyond, especially during this pandemic. Thank you, Angela!

Take it away…

What does a typical working day look like for you?

I’m sure everyone says this but no two days are ever the same – it would be rather dull if they were. There are lots of daily and weekly tasks, so you can find me swapping my Highways hat for my Data hat throughout the day.

Over a year ago, a typical working day started with the usual mad dash out the door to catch the train. Everyone has been struggling in their own ways with Covid, but I certainly don’t miss that train journey. Nowadays I have a much less hectic start to the day, logging in at 7am while the rest of the house sleeps, meaning a peaceful start. That is very short lived though, as the rest get up 7.30am.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Wait… you want me to pick just one?

JUST FOR FUN

When not in the office, you can usually find me here:

Due to Covid you can usually find me at home on the sofa or, if Scottish weather permits, in the garden… on a garden sofa!

If Covid wasn’t in the equation you would find me socialising with family and friends, shredding and playing taxi driver to my overactive 12 year old.

Three things I would struggle to live without are:

Family
A decent decaf coffee and cake, or tea and biscuits… depends on the mood really
The ability to explore the Scottish countryside or further afield when permitted

(Yeah that’s way more than three but it’s the simple things really!)

My last meal on earth would be…

This is really hard… when it comes to picking a meal I’m so indecisive, so don’t think I could narrow it down to one meal or even a three-course. It would need to be a huge feast with loads of my favourite things. For me it would be more important who I shared my last meal with.

To finish, Angela would like to introduce us to her adorable bunnies, Jackson and Riggs. smiley

To see the rest of our Spotlight Series, click here.

At OneSearch, we’ve experienced significant expansion within the last year. Today’s spotlight showcases one of our most recent Local Search Administrators, Jim, who’s been with the company for three months.

Take it away Jim…

What does a typical working day look like for you?

I work on various reports contained within our CMS, assisting with plans and creating new searches. I’ve never worked in this particular industry before, so every day I find something new about my role and it’s very interesting and varied.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job are the amazing people that I work with.

JUST FOR FUN

When not in the office, you can usually find me here:

I’m usually on the tennis court (weather permitting) as I love playing tennis. My two favourite players are Rafael Nadal and Martina Navratilova.

Three things I would struggle to live without are:

I’d struggle to live without my very special family, good friends and Miss Diana Ross!!!

My last meal on earth would be…

A big plate of mince and tatties!!!

To see the rest of our Spotlight Series, click here.

We’re delighted to present the latest in our Spotlight series with Caroline, our Group Financial Controller. Caroline has been with the company for an incredible 15 YEARS and plays an instrumental role within our Accounts department. Take it away Caroline…

What does a typical working day look like for you?

My days are a whirlwind of activity! Most days you will find me knee deep in spreadsheets, and the colour coding needs to be seen to be believed! Depending on what time of the year/month it is, I will either be preparing management accounts, reviewing variances to budget, preparing quarterly forecasts or annual budgets, dealing with audit queries, preparing VAT returns or authorising numerous bank payments to suppliers. No day is the same and I enjoy the variation my role brings.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Without doubt it’s the people I work with. They really are a great bunch, and I consider myself very lucky to have such supportive colleagues, many of whom have become real friends over the years. There is always someone on hand to discuss things with, should I need to get another perspective on something. I 100% value that support network and it’s one of the things that has kept me at OSD for so long. I think it’s quite rare to find this in a company.

JUST FOR FUN

When not in the office, you can usually find me here:

In the shops!

Three things I would struggle to live without are:

Music, chocolate and lip gloss ¿

My last meal on earth would be…

My Dad’s Sunday Roast with a dessert of hot chocolate fudge cake.

Thank you, Caroline – we’d like a slice of cake too!

To see the rest of our Spotlight Series, click here.

The easiest way for conveyancers to get repeat business from homebuyers

Are you thinking about how your law firm is going to manage over the coming months?

30th June – The Stamp Duty deadline. As the Government has already lost over £500 million in taxes through the scheme, there are currently no plans to extend it further.

25th July – The school summer holidays start. When the world begins to open up, there may be many people who want to take a long-awaited holiday instead of saving for a house.

30th September – The furlough scheme is expected to end.

There is no guarantee that employers will be able to keep all their staff. This concern may prevent a significant number of people from investing in a home.
You may have staff returning to your own offices, and it’s important to have enough work for them to do.

Whatever happens, we know volumes may not be sustainable at the current rate, and conveyancers are at risk of going from too much work to not enough.

Don’t miss an opportunity – get alerted when a property you previously dealt with comes back on the market.

Conveyancing Alerts, available from OneSearch Direct, notifies your firm when a property you bought for one of your clients in the last six years is put back on the market for sale.

You’ve already built a trusting relationship with your client, and they may have every intention to return to you for their next transaction. However, there are various reasons clients can “jump ship”, not least being swayed by other professional or personal recommendations. This is where Conveyancing Alerts comes into its own: it allows you to get your foot back in the door and engage with those who have first-hand experience of your exemplary service.

No referral fees
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Now you can take control of retaining clients across the home moving cycle

With real-time data updated daily, Conveyancing Alerts allows you to contact your client early in the sales process, avoiding referral fees, to retain their business for the sale of the property and, potentially, for any associated purchase.

For further details and a count of how many of your former clients listed their properties for sale in the last 12 months, click here or call 01782 433270.

It’s time to put a face to the name of the first point of contact for many of our clients. Carol is our Customer Services Manager and has been doing a tremendous job with her team, especially during COVID. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Carol and she always goes the extra mile. Take it away Carol…

How long have you been with the company?

I’ve been with the company for 17 years – I hadn’t realised it was that long! Time flies when you’re having fun.

What does a typical working day look like for you, do you feel you get a good work/life balance with OneSearch?

No two days have ever been the same during my years with OneSearch, but that’s what I love. I don’t have a steady work life balance, so to speak, due to the current situation with COVID, but this is not a negative for me. Work is extremely busy at the moment and can be stressful, but I find this a great benefit to my wellbeing as it’s given me focus.

What do you like best about your job?

The people I work with are amazing, they definitely make my job so much easier. The support that’s available is second to none.

JUST FOR FUN

When not “in the office”, you can usually find me here:

Gym for a quick workout, then a coffee and a bun and a catchup with friends lol

Three things I would struggle to live without are:

Family & Friends. I know that’s two, but my friends are also my family
The chance to travel to different places
Chocolate digestives

My last meal on earth would be…

Steak, chips, onion, mushrooms, mashed potato. A really good cheesecake from the cheesecake factory, chocolate digestives, Pepsi max and a bottle of prosecco rose (can you tell I have thought about that?).

Thank you Carol, you’ve made us all hungry!

To see the rest of our Spotlight Series, click here.