Lincolnshire Woman Says £500,000 Dream Home Now Worthless After Heatwaves Caused Subsidence

Kaye Brown, 62, and her husband moved into their four-bedroom house in Lincolnshire 30 years ago and never anticipated a subsidence problem until last summer's heatwaves. Her insurer has conducted foundation, drain, and soil checks, and the couple now await results of a year-long movement test before repairs can begin. 'It takes years to sort out, and during this time you realise the house is worthless as no-one will buy it, she said.

Her insurance premium has already risen 160% this year. The Association of British Insurers reported a £72m payout for subsidence claims between April and June, with the average payout hitting a record £20,000. Experts attribute the rise to climate change drying clay soil, with trees and shrubs also drawing moisture. British Geological Survey research projects up to 11% of properties—1.8 million homes—could be affected by 2070, with London boroughs and Kent worst hit.

Subsidence can cause cracks, tilting, and structural failure; fixes include tree removal, drain repairs, and underpinning. Homeowners are urged to contact insurers early if they spot signs. 'I spotted a crack in the concrete of our garage floor, she said.