Let’s have a chat about something that no one warns you about when you buy a house – until it smacks you in the face like a toddler with a cold. Selling a family home when things go sideways isn’t just stressful… it’s the adult equivalent of a full-on tantrum, complete with unnecessary shouting, tears, and regret about why you ever thought “this’ll be easy”.
This is a collaborative post
Yes — you can choose to sell to professional buyers who take houses with structural problems as-is, but many families still try the traditional route first, and that’s where the real fun begins.
So pull up a chair, make sure your coffee is strong (and cold, because let’s be honest — does it ever stay hot?), and let’s talk subsidence and other unexpected problems that can turn your house sale from “simple” into “send help”.
So what even is subsidence?
Subsidence is what happens when your house decides to sink some of its own foundation — usually because the soil underneath is collapsing or drying out. Sounds like something from a dystopian movie, right? Except it’s real, and it means your walls can crack, doors won’t shut properly, and your solicitor suddenly shows 17 extra forms they need you to sign.
Oh yay.
Now imagine discovering during a home sale that your lovely living room has a tilted floor because the ground is having an identity crisis. That’s right — subsidence.
How I found out my house had problems (and why I now want therapy)
We first noticed something was a bit off when the big sliding door in the lounge started refusing to behave like a door and instead opted to jam itself more often than our twins’ DVD player after a tantrum-induced red button attack.
A quick survey later (let’s be generous and call it a quick survey) and we were handed the words every sane person dreads: “Possible signs of subsidence.”
Cue me:
“Possible? So… it’s definitely happening?”
Surveyor: “There’s indication.”
Me: stares into middle distance while swearing quietly under breath.
Turns out the soil wasn’t just bored — it was shifting. Perfect.
When selling gets real (and really awkward)
Here’s the part no one tells you: you can’t hide this shit. If your conveyancer even suspects structural issues like subsidence, every buyer’s solicitor is going to want extra reports, extra surveys, extra reassurance that they’re not buying a discounted leaning tower.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
- More surveys than you knew existed. We went through the HomeBuyer Report, then a further structural evaluation, then an “is the house slowly becoming a slide?” assessment.
- Buyers who look keen but then go quiet. Like someone who spots you with 17 kid toys on the floor and slowly backs out of the room…
- Negotiations that feel like screaming at a blocked toilet. You want price reduction, they want you to fix it, and somehow neither side is happy.
Practical shit you actually need to know
Because whining is fun, but sorting it out is better. Here’s the realist checklist if your family home develops issues mid-sale:
Get a proper structural report early
You’ve got to know what you’re dealing with before it becomes the elephant (or leaning house) in the room. Better to tackle it head-on than keep pretending your cracks are just “character.”
Full disclosure is unavoidable
Sorry, but you can’t bury this like that box of IKEA instructions you never used. Buyers’ lawyers will sniff it out. Be honest and upfront — it saves drama later.
Expect price negotiations
Subsidence translates into risk, and risk equals financial adjustments. Brace yourself. It’s par for the course.
Get expert opinions on solutions
Sometimes there are fixes. Underpinning, soil stabilisation, whatever it takes. It might be worth doing before relisting if you’re set on selling.
And remember…
Selling a house with issues feels a bit like convincing three kids that nap time is mandatory — no one wants to do it, it doesn’t go smoothly, and you end up using words you probably shouldn’t. But you can get to the other side with a clear head (eventually), a slightly dented wallet, and a story that makes everyone go, “Oh shit…”
Because honestly? If you can survive kids, tantrums, and cold coffee… you can survive subsidence. Probably. Mostly.
How did I do?
Did you enjoy this post? If so, you should check out more of the ‘usual’ type of stuff I write. Honest, relatable rants about parenting three young boys. With a touch of swearing and a lot of sarcasm. You’ll like it! Check out my Mum Life section or head to my Travel Section for some UK family holiday and days out inspiration.
If you like a bit of social media madness, pop over to my Facebook page where you’ll be able to have a laugh at what ridiculousness goes on in my house with three boys on a daily basis. Warning – there is often sarcasm, and usually swearing. There are also great travel reviews and the odd giveaway. Feel free to join my Twins, Tantrums and Cold Coffee – Shits and Giggles Parenting Group too, where everyone shares their hilarious stories.
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And if you want to work with me, feel free to give me a shout at helen@twinstantrumsandcoldcoffee.com and I’ll get back to you.