London residents have reported cracks appearing across walls, doors getting stuck and windows becoming warped after a summer of extreme heat and dry weather.
The unusual changes are linked to a growing problem known as subsidence, where the ground beneath buildings shifts or sinks, which is affecting London and other parts of southeast England. Unusually hot and dry weather is causing the soil to dry out, shrink and shift, leading to cracks and other damage to buildings. Experts warn that the problem could worsen as rising global temperatures lead to more frequent periods of extreme heat and dry weather. London is built largely on clay soil, which expands when it absorbs water and shrinks when it becomes dry. During long periods of hot and dry weather, the soil loses moisture and contracts. Trees and plants can also add to the problem. During hot weather, their roots search deeper for water and can draw moisture from the soil around nearby buildings, causing the ground to dry out further. The trend has continued this year.
Several parts of London could face possible or probable subsidence risks by 2030, including areas such as Kensington, Westminster and the City of London, according to data cited from British insurance company Aviva. UK insurers paid more than $97 million in subsidence-related claims during the second quarter of 2026, while the average claim reached a record $27,000.
Or BGS, “Subsidence is one of the most damaging geohazards in the UK today,” CNN reported, according to a spokesperson for the British Geological Survey. General insurance policy manager at the ABI, “Following the extremely hot and dry weather we saw over July and August this year, it’s likely we’ll see more subsidence claims over the coming months.”, according to Louise Clark.
