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Coal mining risk check

Check properties in Great Britain for coal mining subsidence risk. Used for buyers in former coalfield areas: coal mining can cause structural damage and affect mortgage eligibility.

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

  1. [1] GOV.UK: Coal Mining Searches
  2. [2] Coal Authority: Interactive Map

Further reading

GOV.UK coal mining guidance · Coal Authority map

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What is a coal mining risk check?

A coal mining risk check looks up whether a property falls within a Coal Authority reporting area, and if so, the distance to the nearest recorded shaft, adit, or mine entry. Homedata returns risk zone classification and proximity data from Coal Authority records for properties in Great Britain, helping buyers identify whether further investigation is needed before exchange.

Which areas of the UK are affected?

Former coalfield areas with significant numbers of properties in Coal Authority reporting zones include South Wales, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, County Durham, Northumberland, Fife, Lanarkshire, and parts of the East and West Midlands. The Coal Authority maps cover England, Wales, and Scotland: the full extent of recorded coal mining activity.

Risks from coal mining

The main risks from historical underground coal mining are:

  • Ground subsidence. Movement of worked seams can cause surface subsidence: visible as cracking in walls, distortion of door frames, and uneven floors. Properties above shallow workings are at greatest risk.
  • Shaft collapse. Old mineshafts, particularly those sealed or capped to pre-modern standards, can collapse. Thousands of shafts are recorded across the UK coalfields; many more are unrecorded.
  • Mine gas. Methane and other gases can migrate from old workings. Properties with basements or lower ground floors in coalfield areas may be at risk.

What a coal authority search covers

A formal Coal Authority search (required or recommended by lenders for properties in reporting areas) costs around £40 and shows recorded shafts, adits, and mine entries near the property, plus any subsidence claims history. This tool provides an instant preliminary indication: if the result shows a reporting area, we recommend proceeding with a formal search as part of the conveyancing process.

Data source: The Coal Authority, published under the Open Government Licence. Last reviewed: May 2026.