Buying a house that's been underpinned

[b21playa]

hi all

Looking at an old house (built circa 1860) that's come up at auction. From outside and the pictures it all looks good, viewings don't start until Tuesday. From looking at the building control applications back in 1992 there was some underpinning done.

It's been used as a care home up until recently when it's stopped and now being sold.

Is there a chance of further movement? Would it be mortgagble?

I'm hoping to view Tuesday, I'll have a look around and take some pics

Many thanks

 

[big-all]

unfortunately you need to ask if historic underpinning will effect your chances off a mortgadge or insurance with the people you ask to provide those services we have no way off knowing whats in there head

 

[b21playa]

unfortunately you need to ask if historic underpinning will effect your chances off a mortgadge or insurance with the people you ask to provide those services we have no way off knowing whats in there head

Thanks, I’ll get my mortgage adviser to look into this

 

[big-all]

your chance off insurance will also be effected by historic movement and underpinning and may or may not be prohibitive if they are not satisfied with the proof provided so you need to check more so than the the mortgagage as this may put a big spanner in the works

 

[chappers]

yep all depends on what was done and why and what insurance backed guarantees are in place. Different lenders and insurers will have different views on the situation

 

[platforminc]

Usually the lender would not mind as long as the surveyor has not identified any problem, I will recommend that you go for an enhanced survey rather than the basic one.

The main issue you will get is obtaining insurance, you will find that you cannot just use normal comparison websites, you will have to phone in to get specialist insurance. Its funny because the underpinning is supposed to help make the foundation stronger, it does however put a stigma on the house. I wanted to buy a property that was underpinned 4 years ago, in the end I got worried and walked away.

I will also suggest you request all the relevant paper work regarding the underpinning, why was it done etc (broken pipe underground, trees growing under foundation etc) good luck.

 

[Footsoldier888]

I am not sure how easy it is to get a residential mortgage on a care home, it may need pp to turn it into a domestic residence, if that was your intention.

I am sure you know this but you have to be very careful about extensions not having pp or completion certificates when buying at auction, it is a good idea to pay for a solicitior who specialises in property to go through the legal pack if this involves a lot of money, which care homes normally do.