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Originally Posted by Anita Palley
We're looking at a three bedroom Victorian house to buy in London. It's
in a street near were we live now, and I know that some of the houses
on that street have had some (fairly minor) subsidence, involving the
bay windows cracking away from the main structure.
When we looked at the house I mentioned this to the vendors and they
said that they've had no trouble, although they've only been there for
three years. The agents say that it's all clear as well. Before we
cough up for a full-structural survey and solicitors, I'm wondering
whether I can find out any more myself. If I ask for quotes from
insurance companies will they be able to chack some database and say
whether there's ever been a claim against that address (even if they
don't insure it)? I know this seems a bit sneaky, but I'd rather allay
my own fears than find out after I've paid a surveyor, and I don't
think there's anything illegal about getting a quote for someone else's
house.
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Anita
try
www.homecheck.co.uk I found it useful for some initial information (an old coal mining area was my worry) although it does not appear to be available today.
as to asking insurance companies...houses are too expensive to worry about it being "sneaky" it sounds like a good idea and suggest you go the whole hog; ie. you need a quote to do your bugetting properly and you would like to know how the risk in that area affects your premium so, mr insurance company, please check your database and tell me what it says, don't just give me the figure your computer says.
good luck