Who can help advise about risks of buying a house on a hill?

pc00379

Hi all,
We recently saw a house for sale on in the countryside. The house is on quite a steep hill - approx. 2/3 of the way down the hill - and a large field behind it.

If we were to purchase we would get a Structural Engineer to inspect as part of a PrePurchase report. Would they look at flood risks? And the/any risk of the hills water causing any damage to the house / garden etc..?

Is there any other type of professional I should think about getting involved?

Appreciate any guidance or thoughts.

Victor

An engineer would be suitable. However, hills tend not to flood (short of being positioned next to a stream at the base of a mountain), unless there is some special circumstance.

Hills are however subject to increased wind and frost / ice risks.

the_syco

pc00379 wrote: »

The house is on quite a steep hill - approx. 2/3 of the way down the hill

Is there somewhere to park your car at the bottom of the hill, not on the road? You'll find yourself parking there for maybe a week or so every year when the add ice hits, and your car doesn't make it up the hill.

Arbiter of Good Taste

the_syco wrote: »

Is there somewhere to park your car at the bottom of the hill, not on the road? You'll find yourself parking there for maybe a week or so every year when the add ice hits, and your car doesn't make it up the hill.

Good point.

Or alternatively, expect your next car to be a 4WD

vrusinov

or get a set of winter tyres.

TheDriver

4wd wont get you far in icy hills- snow would use 4wd however.

vandriver

Sorry!
https://youtu.be/KHotPZDGxx8

P. Breathnach

If it's on the north side of the hill, your sunlight might be limited, and the house could be colder because of that. Conversely, the south side of a hill can be good. The caution about an icy access road applies far more to a house that has restricted sunlight.

Is there a view to enjoy?

Your neighbours will likely be aware whether you are home or not. Whether that is good or bad depends on the neighbours. We have neighbours who keep an eye on things for us when they notice that we are away.

Akrasia

If the site isn't prepared properly, there could be additional risks of subsidence. You should definitely get an engineers report