You can undertake a free check to find out whether your property needs a search undertaking by visiting www.coalminingreports.co.uk and entering the postcode.

A coal mining search will reveal;-

1. Whether the property is in an area where coal mining has taken, or is  likely to take place.
2. The existence of underground coal workings and mine entries which may cause problems with subsidence.
3. Whether compensation for subsidence has been paid out in the past.
4. Whether repairs have been carried out.
5. Whether there is any current claim against the Coal Authority.

Subsidence may exist in any area where mining has at some time taken place. Following the initial search with the Coal Authority, you can obtain a detailed report providing analysis and advice regarding mine shafts revealed in the report. The Coal Authority would also provide a risk assessment as to whether the main building is inside a ground movement area.

Other available mining searches;-

• If the property is situated in the Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall or Wolverhampton area, then you will need to obtain a search in relation to limestone mining.
• Similarly, in the Devon or Cornwall areas, clay mining and tin mining searches should be undertaken.
• Cheshire and Greater Manchester properties need searches in relation to brine extraction.