Average Subsidence Claim Soars To £20,000 Due To Heatwave – Is Your Home At Risk?

Homeowners in the UK face increased property risk as the average subsidence claim soared to £20,000 due to the heatwave, according to new data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

New figures from ABI’s Property Insurance Tracker show home insurers paid out £72 million for domestic subsidence claims between April and June 2026.

The average payout is more than £2,000 higher than the same period last year.

It follows the warmest spring recorded on record in England and Wales and the third warmest across the UK.

Subsidence happens when the ground beneath a property sinks, causing the building’s foundations to move.

This can result in serious damage to a property’s structure. Prolonged dry weather increases the risk of subsidence in homes.

Damage caused by extreme weather continues to rise across the UK.

The average claim for damage to people’s homes and possessions from flooding, storms and burst pipes rose to £8,548 in the second quarter of 2026, up 12% on the same period in 2025.

How to spot subsidence

Subsidence can cause serious damage to a property. It’s most commonly caused by soil losing moisture and shrinking.

This can be caused by long spells of dry weather or trees and large shrubs drawing water from the ground.

Some of the warning signs your home could be affected by subsidence include;

• cracks: lines and cracks appear suddenly across walls inside and outside the home, usually wider than 3mm and as thick as a £1 coin
• doors and windows: can suddenly become difficult to open or close
• wallpaper: can become wrinkled, rippled or torn with no obvious cause
• flooring: if solid ground floors begin to slope or dip

If you’re concerned about subsidence risk, speak with your buildings insurance company to arrange an assessment.

If you’re a leaseholder, you’ll need to speak with the freeholder or managing agent. You may need to notify your buildings insurance provider.

Renters worried about a subsidence risk should report the damage to their landlord as soon as possible and document changes with photographs and noting dates they appeared.