"Every home has its quirks, but there are certain red flags that can seriously spook buyers and send values plummeting. Subsidence is the most frightening of all, not only because of the financial impact but also due to the disruption and stress it causes"
- Shepherd Ncube - Springbok Properties
With Halloween approaching, Springbok Properties has highlighted the home issues that could frighten sellers the most. Topping the list is subsidence, which can reduce the value of the average UK home by more than £53,000.
The company analysed 10 common buyer turn-offs, estimating their impact on property prices based on the current UK average house price of £270,000.
Subsidence emerges as the most serious problem, potentially cutting a property’s value by 20%, which is equivalent to £54,000.
Other issues include:
Japanese Knotweed: -15% (-£40,500)
Power lines, pylons or turbines: -14% (-£37,800)
Flood damage or flood risk: -13.6% (-£36,720)
General disrepair or overgrown gardens: -12.8% (-£34,560)
Damp and mould: -10% (-£27,000)
Nuisance neighbours: -10% (-£27,000)
Pet odours or damage: -4.8% (-£12,960)
Messy or cluttered interiors: -4.2% (-£11,340)
Outdated décor: -3.8% (-£10,260)
Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building sinks, causing the foundations to move. This is often linked to prolonged dry spells or large trees drawing moisture from the soil. Insurers paid out £153 million for subsidence in the first half of 2025, a 36.6% increase compared with the same period in 2024. Nearly 9,000 households were affected, with average payouts of £17,264.
What to look out for
Warning signs of subsidence include new or widening cracks, particularly diagonal ones around doors and windows, sticking doors or windows, sloping floors, and wallpaper rippling that is not caused by damp. Properties on clay soils or near large trees are especially at risk.
Steps to take if you suspect subsidence
Homeowners should commission a professional survey to confirm subsidence. For leasehold properties, it is important to check the block’s insurance cover, the freeholder’s responsibilities, any history of claims, and whether remedial work has been carried out. Buyers should also ask about sinking funds and planned repairs, as major work can add costs through service charges.
Shepherd Ncube, CEO of Springbok Properties, said: “Every home has its quirks, but there are certain red flags that can seriously spook buyers and send values plummeting. Subsidence is the most frightening of all, not only because of the financial impact but also due to the disruption and stress it causes.
For those facing such challenges, the open market can be unforgiving, with buyers pulling out at the first sign of trouble. At Springbok Properties, we offer homeowners a fast, certain sale with a direct cash purchase route. No agents, no delays, just help moving forward even when their home has issues that might otherwise scare buyers away.”
