Home insurance provider warns of subsidence

A growing number of homeowners in London could be making themselves vulnerable to subsidence by using their front gardens as driveways.

Studies commissioned by home insurance group esure suggest that driveway conversions can disrupt the natural movement of rainfall through the ground, leading to roots upsetting soil whilst searching for moisture.

In this way it is thought that up to 100,000 homeowners in the capital could be at risk of subsidence, which could put strain upon their home insurance policies in the future.

It is very appealing for homeowners in busy streets to create a bespoke parking space for their property, commented Nikki Sellers, head of home insurance at esure. Unfortunately, for houses with a street tree or large front garden tree nearby this can significantly increase the risk of subsidence.

Ms Sellers continued to assert that while adding a driveway or patio can increase the value of a property, subsidence can have a strong negative effect in the long-run.

Homeowners are advised to be aware of the position of nearby trees when undertaking driveway conversions or patio developments, so as to ensure that the integrity of the ground is maintained.

It is also recommended that areas of open soil and flowerbeds are left adjacent to newly paved areas in an attempt to prevent subsidence.

It is believed that properties in London built on clay are more likely to suffer subsidence than in other parts of the country.