After two unprecedented hot summers, homeowners in England are facing deep and concerning cracks in their walls. Henry Biggs, 49, from Stroud in Gloucestershire, says: "We have a wall that has developed a large diagonal crack, and we can see into the other room; we can easily fit our fingers into it, and pieces of plaster are falling off."
Increase in Subsidence Damage Claims
Biggs and his wife noticed these cracks in June 2025, a few months after buying their home, and submitted a subsidence damage claim to their insurer, Admiral. This claim was accepted in the spring, but the installation of monitoring devices only took place a year after the claim was filed, and now they do not know when repairs will begin.
This alarming situation has become a dilemma not only for Biggs but for many other homeowners in England. The pressure from climate change and rising temperatures has created serious structural problems for homes and has inundated insurers with a flood of subsidence damage claims.
Economic and Social Consequences
In addition to financial concerns, this issue has social repercussions as well. Homeowners face heavy repair and maintenance costs, which can lead to decreased property values and public dissatisfaction. While insurers are trying to respond to these issues, the increasing number of claims could lead to higher premiums and more pressure on homeowners.
Given the climate forecasts and rising temperatures in the coming years, it seems that this crisis is only at its beginning, and homeowners must be prepared to face more challenges.
