Record spring heat drives £153m in subsidence payouts

Insurance payouts for damage caused to homes by subsidence – the shrinkage of ground under dry conditions – totalled £153m across the first half of 2025.

This is according to figures from the ABI’s H1 2025 subsidence claims data release, which also revealed that some 9,000 claims had been successfully lodged – making the average payout per claim £17,264.

Extended periods of dry, warm weather can lead to an increased risk of subsidence and the Met Office has now confirmed that 2025 saw the UK’s warmest spring on record.

The ABI warned home-owners that while subsidence cracks tend to appear very quickly, tell-tale signs such as ripped or crinkled wallpaper and windows or doors sticking shut could often be early warning signals.

Immediate attention

It also advised home-owners to seek immediate attention for cracks that are greater than 3mm wide, diagonal and visible from both inside and outside the property, as they had the highest rate of indicating subsidence.

Louise Clark, manager of general insurance policy at the ABI, said: “Climate change is significantly increasing the risk of subsidence in the UK, particularly in areas with clay-rich soils that sink and swell in response to changing moisture levels caused by hot temperatures.

“While not all cases can be prevented, home-owners can reduce the risk by managing nearby trees and shrubs that they own and by ensuring that gutters, pipes and plumbing are well maintained to avoid leaks. 

“If you suspect your property has suffered from subsidence damage, contact your insurer as soon as possible. It’s exactly what your home insurance is there to cover.”