Subsidence: Signs, Surveys & What Buyers Should Know
Learn how to spot subsidence signs, when a survey is needed, and what it means for your purchase and insurance.
Read the subsidence guideWhy Property Problems Matter to Buyers
Identifying property defects before exchange can save you tens of thousands of pounds. Common problems like subsidence, damp, and structural cracking are not always visible to untrained eyes — but they are exactly what a professional survey is designed to uncover.
If your survey finds significant defects, you have several options:
- Renegotiate the price to reflect repair costs
- Request the seller fixes specific issues before completion
- Walk away from the purchase if the risk is too high
- Proceed informed with a clear budget for repairs
Read our guide: What Happens If a Survey Finds Problems? →
Which Survey Detects Property Problems?
A Level 3 Building Survey provides the most comprehensive investigation of property defects. It includes detailed analysis of causes, severity, and recommended remediation — essential when you suspect or discover problems.
For properties that appear in reasonable condition, a Level 2 Home Buyer Survey will still identify visible defects and give condition ratings to guide your decision.