Coal Mining Risk Check
Check any UK property for coal mining subsidence risk. Essential for buyers in former coalfield areas — coal mining can cause structural damage and affect mortgage eligibility.
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Coal Mining Risk FAQ
Which areas of the UK are affected by coal mining?
Former coalfield areas include South Wales, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, County Durham, Northumberland, Fife, Lanarkshire, and parts of the Midlands. The Coal Authority maintains records of all licensed and historical mining activity in England, Wales, and Scotland.[2]
What risks does coal mining cause?
Underground coal mining can cause ground subsidence, which may crack walls, damage foundations, and distort door frames. Old mineshafts and tunnels can also collapse. Properties above shallow workings are at greatest risk, particularly where records are incomplete.
Do I need a coal mining search when buying?
A Coal Authority search is recommended — and sometimes required by lenders — for properties in coalfield areas. It costs around £40[1] and reveals whether the property is in a coal mining reporting area, which shafts or workings are recorded nearby, and whether subsidence claims have been made.
Can I get a mortgage on a property with coal mining risk?
Yes, in most cases — but the lender may require a structural survey and/or Coal Authority search. Properties with active subsidence claims or in high-risk zones may require specialist insurance (available through the Coal Authority's Homes England scheme in some cases).
Sources
Further reading
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Free to startExact distance in metres to the nearest registered shaft, adit, and mine entry per Coal Authority records, plus risk zone classification — the data used by surveyors and insurers when assessing subsidence risk.
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