A Quarter of Homebuyers Skip Environmental and Structural Checks

• Homeowners in Greater London and the commuter belt are most susceptible to risks, despite spending over £100 billion on property in last three years
  
  
• Nearly 154,000 properties have been sold in ‘high-risk’ areas since 2023

A new study by specialist home insurance provider Homeprotect highlights the lack of caution some Brits will take when purchasing a property.

In a survey conducted with 1,000 UK homeowners, a quarter admitted that they did not make any checks to determine whether their home had any potentially undetectable risks such as subsidence or flood risk prior to exchanging contracts.

Interestingly, when asked what they believed poses the biggest risk to their home in the future, 25% of Brits surveyed didn’t think their home was at risk of anything, while a further 21% simply didn’t know.

But where in the UK are homeowners most susceptible to key risks that, over time, could potentially affect the structural integrity, safety and value of their property – or cause them issues when they come to sell in the future?

Homeprotect analysed data from its home risk calculator which was built using proprietary risk data for homes across the UK to discover the postcodes with the highest combined risk score for a variety of home-related risks, such as fire, escape of water, flood, and ground movement.

To identify the volume of new homeowners who may have purchased a home in a ‘high risk’ area, they also used HM Land Registry data to conduct research on the number of properties sold in these locations between 2023 and 2026, as well as the average property value.

This research shows that postcodes belonging to homeowners living in Greater London or within the commuter belt dominate the top 10.

Harrow is the riskiest location for homeowners

According to Homeprotect’s risk data, the Harrow (HA) postcode area has the highest level of risk of all UK locations. It’s also the location where homeowners are second most likely to experience issues related to ground movement and escape of water.

In the last three years, over 10,000 properties have been bought in the northwest London area, which mainly covers Harrow (Harrow, Pinner, Stanmore, Edgware, and Belmont), as well as the London borough of Brent (Wembley), and the London borough of Hillingdon (Ruislip, Northwood). 

At an average price of over £597,000, an estimated overall sum of over £6 billion has been spent on property in this area.

Its popularity is likely due to its fast and easy transport links to London via tube and rail, as well as good schools, and a reputation for being one of the safest areas to live in London, which makes it an ideal location for families.

While this area may be a top location for Londoners to settle down, subsidence is a real risk for people living here. In research conducted by Ground Sure, it was revealed that it’s an area of Greater London built on London Clay – a hazard due to its high ‘shrink-swell’ capacity, which can cause ground movement.  

Given that parts of the local water network date back to the 1930s, ageing pipes and joints are more susceptible to corrosion, fatigue and pressure-related failure. This may contribute to a higher incidence of leaks or bursts in the area (although most home insurance escape of water claims arise from a property’s internal plumbing, so building‑specific factors remain the primary drivers of risk).

Homeowners in SL postcodes spend big, but face risk

People living in SL postcodes in parts of East Berkshire (Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead), as well as South Buckinghamshire (Iver, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross, Marlow), face risks for multiple perils combined. Homeprotect’s data suggests that residents are most likely to claim on their insurance for risks like escape of water and accidental damage.

Since the start of 2023, Brits have spent over an estimated £7 billion on over 12,000 properties in this area.

Places like Slough are now considered top destinations for commuters thanks to fast access to London via direct mainline trains and the Elizabeth Line. Yet this area in particular is one of high-density living, with multiple apartments and high-rise buildings, which could amplify its residents’ risk of experiencing escape of water incidents due to complex and interconnected plumbing systems.

Multiple risks for BR postcode holders

Featuring in the top 10 riskiest locations to live for five of the eight risks investigated, including escape of water, accidental damage, ground movement, and theft, the BR postcode has a number of risks associated with it. This predominantly covers the London borough of Bromley (Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington, West Wickham, Chislehurst, Hayes), as well as the boroughs of Lewisham (Downham) and the Kent district of Sevenoaks (Swanley).

Over 11,000 properties were purchased in this area in the last three years, at an average value of just over £582,000 – an estimated overall expenditure of £6.5 billion.

The London borough of Bromley was named one of the most peaceful places to live in December 2025.

But residents living in this postcode area may be more susceptible to multiple risks such as subsidence, due to its clay soil foundations, and its affluent neighbourhoods could make it a target for residential burglary.

You can view the full study here.

David Joyson, Chief Customer Officer at specialist home insurer, Homeprotect, commented on the findings:

“It’s concerning to see that many buyers are carrying out limited due diligence before committing to a purchase.

“Checking for exposure to environmental or structural risks during the homebuying process is essential, as issues such as flood or subsidence may not be immediately apparent. An RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is typically recommended for ‘standard’ post-1900 properties in reasonable condition, while older or unusual homes, or those with other special or ‘non-standard’ features, may require a comprehensive Level 3 Building Survey. Solicitors can usually advise based on initial search results.

“Not having this information upfront – or opting for a cheaper, less comprehensive survey – could lead to unexpected repair or maintenance costs, reduced property value, and even complications if you are looking to sell in the future.

“Plus, some structural or environmental risks can make it more difficult to get home insurance due to the way insurers review the risk profile of a property. Using a price comparison website to complete a home insurance quote based on the property you’re intending to purchase can give you an indicative quote. If there are only a few options returned or no quotes, this suggests that mainstream home insurers consider it to have a higher risk profile and so you will likely need a specialist home insurer.

“Ignorance is not bliss in the long run. Undertaking thorough due diligence through surveys, searches and conveyancing checks prior to exchanging contracts allows you to make an informed decision and assess potential risks.

“These checks can also uncover hidden issues that provide leverage when negotiating the property price. Whilst surveys and searches may be an additional outlay during the purchase process, the peace of mind they can provide in helping to make an informed decision can be invaluable.”

Source : Homeprotect

Image : William Barton / shutterstock / 1787318480

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