Subsidence may cause home insurance worries
Published On 23 February 2007
Home insurance claims could increase as new research has shown that the scourge of subsidence on London properties is increasing across the capital. A new study carried out by insurance firm esure in collaboration with the British Geological Survey (BGS) has discovered that more than 100,000 Londoners are increasing the risk of subsidence on their property by building driveway conversions on their front lawn.
By adding concrete or tarmac to the front garden, homeowners are unwittingly substantially reducing the permeability of the ground around their property and cutting off water to adjacent trees.
This is turn causes the soil around the foundations of the house to contain less moisture and resulting problems with subsidence of the ground.
Nikki Sellers, esure's head of home insurance, said: "It is very appealing for homeowners in busy streets to create a bespoke parking space for their property.
"Unfortunately, for houses with a street tree or large front garden tree nearby this can significantly increase the risk of subsidence. A dedicated space may increase the value of your home but subsidence damage will do quite the reverse."
