Selling your home can be stressful enough without worrying about issues like subsidence cropping up. Here in West Sussex, subsidence is something every homeowner should be aware of, especially if you’re looking for a quick and smooth sale. Spotting it early can save you a lot of headaches—and cash—further down the line. So, let’s look at what subsidence is, how to spot it, and what you can do about it.

What’s Subsidence, Anyway?

Subsidence happens when the ground beneath your house begins to sink, causing foundations to shift. It might sound dramatic—and it can be—but knowing what to look out for means you can tackle it before it gets serious.

Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Here are the top signs of subsidence to keep an eye out for:

• Cracks in Walls: Not every crack spells trouble, but cracks wider than 3mm (roughly thicker than a 10p coin) need attention. If they’re diagonal, wider at the top, and appear both inside and outside your house, it’s time to get them checked.
• Doors and Windows Sticking: Struggling to open or close doors and windows might mean your house has shifted slightly. It can happen gradually, so watch out for persistent issues rather than occasional sticking.
• Sloping Floors: If your floors feel uneven, sloped, or saggy, it’s often a clear sign the foundations are moving.
• Gaps Around Doors and Skirting Boards: New gaps forming around skirting boards, door frames, or between walls and ceilings might indicate subtle shifts happening beneath your feet.
• Wrinkled Wallpaper: If your wallpaper suddenly looks rippled or creased without any signs of damp, it might be due to subsidence.

Why Does Subsidence Happen?

In West Sussex, the clay-rich soil can shrink and swell depending on moisture levels. During dry spells, soil shrinks, causing ground movement that can affect your home’s foundations. Other common culprits include:

• Trees and Large Plants: Roots draw moisture from soil, especially in dry periods, causing it to shrink and destabilise your foundations.
• Water Leaks: Broken or leaking drains and pipes wash away soil, creating gaps under your home.

How Common is Subsidence in West Sussex?

While exact figures aren’t widely available, West Sussex is among areas flagged by experts as susceptible to subsidence, particularly during hot, dry summers. It’s not something every home will experience, but it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for, especially if your property has mature trees nearby or sits on clay-rich soil.

What Does This Mean for Home Sellers?

If you’re trying to sell your house quickly, subsidence can complicate things:

• Lower Valuation: Buyers might offer less if they suspect subsidence, or demand expensive repairs.
• Difficulty Getting Insurance: Homes with a subsidence history can be harder and more expensive to insure, putting off potential buyers.

Easy Ways to Protect Your Property

You can take simple steps to reduce the risk of subsidence:

• Manage Trees and Plants: Keep larger plants and trees well-maintained and at a safe distance from your home.
• Regular Maintenance: Check gutters, drains, and pipes regularly. Fix leaks quickly to stop soil erosion.
• Water Your Garden: During prolonged dry spells, occasionally watering the soil around your foundations can keep it stable.

What to Do if You Suspect Subsidence

Don’t panic—if you spot any worrying signs, here’s what to do next:

1. Get a Professional Check: Arrange a visit from a structural engineer or surveyor to assess the extent of any damage.
2. Contact Your Insurer: Notify your insurer immediately. They’ll often guide you through the process and recommend next steps.
3. Plan for Repairs: Solutions range from monitoring minor movements to underpinning your property’s foundations in more severe cases.

Final Thoughts

Subsidence doesn’t have to derail your quick house sale if you’re proactive. By knowing the signs and taking swift action, you can reassure potential buyers and get the best possible price for your West Sussex home. If you’re keen to sell quickly and smoothly, reach out to us at Home Sale Hub—we’re here to help you every step of the way.