We're looking at a three bedroom Victorian house to buy in London. It's in a street near were we live now, and I know that some of the houses on that street have had some (fairly minor) subsidence, involving the bay windows cracking away from the main structure.
When we looked at the house I mentioned this to the vendors and they said that they've had no trouble, although they've only been there for three years. The agents say that it's all clear as well. Before we cough up for a full-structural survey and solicitors, I'm wondering whether I can find out any more myself. If I ask for quotes from insurance companies will they be able to chack some database and say whether there's ever been a claim against that address (even if they don't insure it)? I know this seems a bit sneaky, but I'd rather allay my own fears than find out after I've paid a surveyor, and I don't think there's anything illegal about getting a quote for someone else's house.