Selling a house with a mineshaft can feel like you’re standing at the edge of a deep, dark pit of uncertainty, but we promise you there’s light at the end of this particular tunnel. We’ve helped countless homeowners in your situation find solutions when they thought all hope was lost.
According to the UK Coal Authority, there are approximately 150,000 recorded coal mine shafts and mine entrances across Britain as of 2020. However, experts estimate this could represent less than half of the total number, with potentially up to 400,000 unrecorded mine entrances abandoned throughout the country. With an average of only 15 mineshaft collapses occurring annually in the UK, catastrophic incidents are relatively rare – though the impact on property values can be significant, with decreases ranging from 10-30% compared to similar properties without mining issues.
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What Exactly Is a Mine Shaft and Should I Be Worried?
A mine shaft is a vertical tunnel extending underground that was used to access minerals, transport miners, and move materials during mining operations. These shafts are typically about 2.5 metres wide and can extend hundreds of metres below the surface. While most are now sealed or capped, their presence can still impact property stability, insurance costs, and mortgage availability.
The main risk is ground instability. Damage from subsidence can range from minor cracks to, in extreme cases, a complete collapse. These collapses can create holes spanning several metres wide, potentially causing structural damage to nearby buildings.
How Do I Check If My Property Is Affected By Coal Mining?
Before attempting to sell, it’s crucial to determine whether your property is affected by historical mining activities. You can:
Use the Mining Remediation Authority’s online search service
Provide your property’s postcode and boundaries
Receive immediate results indicating whether you need to order a mining report
Pay for a comprehensive report if needed (prices start at £27 plus VAT)
These reports typically detail mine entries within 20 metres of your property’s boundaries, gas emissions from coal mines, other hazards, and any plans for future mining in the area.
We’ve Found Out That Our House Is On a Mineshaft – How Will This Affect Our Sale?
We understand this discovery can be absolutely devastating. The impact is significant but not necessarily catastrophic. Properties with mineshaft issues typically sell for less than their unaffected counterparts:
Standard value reduction: 10-20% compared to similar properties
Severe cases: Some homeowners report price reductions of £50,000-£60,000 when selling to cash buyers
Extended marketing periods: Homes near mine shafts can take up to 30% longer to sell
This is precisely why many of our clients at Property Saviour initially contact us. They feel trapped, with some describing themselves as “prisoners” in their own homes due to difficulties in finding buyers willing to take on the perceived risks.
Can You Get a Mortgage on a House Close to a Mineshaft?
The presence of a mineshaft creates significant hurdles for potential buyers seeking financing. Many mortgage lenders are hesitant to approve loans for properties with mining issues due to:
| Lender Concerns | Impact on Buyers |
|---|---|
| Future structural damage risks | Buyers need more cash upfront |
| Potential depreciation in value | Extra costs and potential delays |
| Reselling difficulties | Could reveal deal-breaking issues |
| Insurance complications | Expensive remediation may be needed |
| Legal liability concerns | Limited options and higher premiums |
This table illustrates why many of our clients turn to Property Saviour when conventional sales fall through. While some high street lenders may consider applications with satisfactory environmental reports, many buyers simply can’t overcome these hurdles, leaving you in a difficult position.
My Buyer’s Mortgage Was Refused Due To Mine Shaft – What Now?
If you’ve found yourself in this heartbreaking situation, you’re not alone. Many homeowners come to us after months of frustration with traditional sales methods. Some options include:
- Recommend your buyer consult a specialist broker: They might find alternative lenders willing to take the risk.
- Consider remediation measures: Professional stabilization work can sometimes reassure lenders.
- Adjust your price expectations: Unfortunately, a significantly lower asking price might be necessary.
- Contact Property Saviour: As cash buyers, we’re not reliant on mortgage lenders and can purchase your property regardless of mineshaft issues.
How Much Does a Mining Survey Cost and Is It Worth Getting One?
When “past underground coal mining identified” appears on initial searches, a more detailed mining survey becomes essential. These specialised assessments typically cost between £200-£700 depending on your property’s location and the complexity of the mining history.
While this represents an additional expense, investing in a comprehensive mining survey before listing your property can provide clarity on the exact risks, which are often less severe than feared. However, if you’re considering selling to Property Saviour, we can often proceed without requiring you to pay for additional surveys, saving you both time and money.
Is There a Mine Under My House and How Can I Find Out?
Many homeowners wonder this very question without realising the specific details matter tremendously. A professional survey can determine whether there’s an actual shaft or just general mining activities in the area, the depth, condition, and whether any remediation has already been performed.
The Coal Authority maintains records of known mine workings, though these aren’t always comprehensive for older mines. Their online search tool is a good starting point, allowing you to check if your postcode falls within a coal mining affected area. For more detailed information, you’ll need a Coal Mining Report (around £40) or a more comprehensive mining survey from a specialist.
Do I Own the Land Under My House in the UK?
When dealing with mining issues, this question often arises. In the UK, if you own the freehold of your property, you generally own not just the surface but also the land beneath—extending to the centre of the earth, theoretically. However, this ownership is subject to:
Mineral rights that may have been sold separately
Government ownership of certain resources (like oil, gas, coal, gold, and silver)
Historical rights granted to mining companies
This can complicate matters when addressing a sealed mine entrance on your property, which is another reason many homeowners choose the simplicity of selling to a specialist cash buyer like Property Saviour.
What Would You Do With a Sealed Mine Entrance On Your Property?
If your property features a sealed mine entrance, professional advice is essential. Never attempt to investigate or modify a mine entrance yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous. Instead:
Contact the Coal Authority for guidance (especially for coal mines)
Commission a professional assessment
Follow expert recommendations for monitoring or additional sealing
Document all assessments and work for future reference
Consider professional landscaping to improve aesthetics while maintaining safety
At Property Saviour, we’ve purchased numerous properties with sealed mine entrances, understanding both the risks and the remediation options available.
I’ve Discovered a Mineshaft Near My House – Should I Be Concerned?
Finding out about a mineshaft near your home can be worrying, but the level of concern depends on several factors:
- Distance matters: The difference between a mine shaft directly under your property versus one 19 metres away is significant.
- Age and treatment: Many mines have been properly sealed and capped for decades without incident.
- Monitoring data: Stability monitoring can provide reassurance about any ongoing movement.
- Insurance implications: If you’ve secured buildings insurance without special conditions, this suggests professionals consider the risk manageable.
Property Saviour has extensive experience with properties affected by historical mining, allowing us to make fair cash offers even when traditional buyers are deterred.
Can a Mineshaft Cause Subsidence to My Home?
Yes, unfortunately it can. The main risk associated with properties near mineshafts is ground instability. Over time, old mine workings can collapse or the materials used to fill them can settle, potentially causing movement in the ground above. This can manifest as:
Cracks appearing in walls and ceilings
Doors and windows becoming difficult to open or close
Sloping or uneven floors
In severe cases, more significant structural damage
However, it’s worth noting that many properties near historical mine workings never experience these issues, particularly if proper remediation work was done when the mines were closed.
Why Choose Property Saviour When Selling a House With a Mineshaft?
Selling a house with a mineshaft presents unique challenges, but you’re not alone. With Property Saviour, you have access to experts who understand the complexities and are ready to make a fair cash offer regardless of the mining issues affecting your home.
While the presence of mining features will likely impact your property’s value through traditional sale methods, our approach focuses on providing a straightforward, stress-free alternative when you need certainty. Thousands of properties with mining histories change hands each year, and with the right buyer, your property’s mining history becomes just another chapter in its story rather than the end of your selling journey.
When traditional selling routes prove challenging, Property Saviour offers a stress-free alternative. As specialist cash buyers with extensive experience in properties affected by mining issues, we:
Purchase any property regardless of mineshaft proximity or condition
Make fair cash offers based on our expert understanding of remediation options
Complete purchases in as little as 7 days when needed
Cover all legal fees and additional survey costs
Require no repairs or renovations before purchase
Offer cash advances when urgent funds are needed
We understand how devastating it can be when conventional buyers withdraw or mortgage lenders refuse financing due to mining issues. Our team approaches each situation with genuine empathy and a determination to provide a fair solution when you need it most.
For a no-obligation cash offer or simply to discuss your options, contact Property Saviour today. We’re here to help when others can’t or won’t.
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Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
