Shifting earth leading to home improvement loans

Britons are likely to need loans for home insurance as a new survey reveals an increase in subsidence damage.

Halifax Home Insurance points to figures showing since 2002 claims have risen 50 per cent where the ground under a home sinks or settles so the surface is disrupted, often damaging properties and walls.

With an increase noted over the summer months as the ground dries, many owners are turning to loans to pay for repair.

Worst hit was in shrinkable clay soil areas, particularly in the south-east, which accounted for 70 per cent of all the insurers' claims. However, there are things people can do to minimise damage.

"People don't knowingly cause subsidence, but there are ways homeowners can help to reduce the risk of such damage to their home to avoid the costs, inconvenience and inevitable worry that subsidence damage brings," said Neil Curling, senior structural claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance.

"Signs that a property might be suffering from subsidence include cracks in walls, particularly if they start from corners of windows or doors which themselves may become difficult to open or close.

"The good news is there are there several measures homeowners can take if they are worried, which can go a long way towards avoiding a problem."

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