The new Terrafirma Ground Report – taking subsidence risk assessment to the next level

A major update to the standard-setting Terrafirma Ground Report is being launched, making it the first domestic search product to provide detailed, property-specific information on the risks from clay-related subsidence and trees – a major cause of building damage in the UK.

As part of its research and development programme, Terrafirma has been working with cutting-edge Cranfield University and National Tree Map data to give an accurate prediction of properties which are likely to suffer shrink-swell movements or be affected by nearby tree roots. The new Ground Report includes a simple-to-understand guide to the potential amount of ground movement and the zone of influence of large trees, providing clear guidance on the scope of building surveys and subsidence insurance for affected properties.

The Ground Report provides a unique ground movement indicator, using satellite monitoring data and information on the level of insurance claims investigations in the surrounding area, to inform the purchaser and complement their building survey. Clay-related subsidence is naturally affected by a changing climate and the team at Terrafirma have been investigating the potential that climate change may have on ground hazards. For the first time, the Ground Report includes an insight into the possible long-term effects of a changing climate on subsidence risk and what that could mean for the homeowner.

As part of the report update, information on slope movement is being enhanced to provide a clearer picture of the potential for landslides affecting properties.

The updated Ground Report is part of Terrafirma’s mission to allow informed decisions by professionals and homebuyers, with easy to understand practical recommendations to mitigate ground risks. Continuous investment into Terrafirma’s research and development has enabled us to add these updates at no extra cost, with the RRP for the Ground Report remaining at £50 + VAT.

Key features:

An additional clay subsidence summary on the front page of the report, highlighting whether there are any recommended actions for the purchaser.
Terrafirma’s unique sinkhole alert now forms part of the front-page report location map, providing up-front information to purchasers on recorded collapses near to their property.
A revised Natural Ground Perils module which identifies the likely risks from slope movement as well as any mapped landslide areas which might affect the property.
A new comprehensive Clay Subsidence module which includes:
- An explanation of the amount of natural ground moment which could occur due to shrinkable clays
- A display of the amount of change in natural ground movement which is likely to occur in the future due to climate change in the next 35 years.
- The number of recorded trees which might affect clay subsidence at the property, the zones of influences of these trees, and whether they will affect the property boundary and the building.
- Whether the level recorded subsidence claims investigations in the postcode area is above or below national average level
- Professional opinion on the overall likely impact of clay soils and trees on the property and buildings survey recommendations.
- Clear guidance on clay subsidence issues which may affect new developments at the property
- A clear map of tree zones of influence which may affect the property along with satellite recorded ground movement hotspots.