Quick answer
Yes. Thousands of homes in former coalfield areas are bought and mortgaged every year. Your conveyancer orders a mining report from the Mining Remediation Authority (formerly the Coal Authority), and most results need no further action. Where risks are flagged, a ground investigation, insurance or a specialist lender may be needed.
On this page
- Who provides coal mining information?
- When is a coal mining search needed?
- What does a coal mining report show?
- What if the report says there was past mining?
- Will my lender still lend?
- What about insurance and compensation?
- Should I get a survey?
- What does it cost?
- What about Scotland?
- Questions to ask before you commit
- How we can help
Large parts of England and Wales sit above former coal workings, from the North East and Yorkshire to the Midlands and South Wales. If you are buying in one of these areas, your conveyancer will almost certainly order a coal mining search. A result that mentions past mining can look alarming, but in most cases it does not stop a purchase.
Who provides coal mining information?
The body responsible for coal mining records in Great Britain was known for many years as the Coal Authority. It now operates as the Mining Remediation Authority (at the time of writing, October 2026). It holds historic mine plans, records of mine entries such as shafts and adits, and information about subsidence claims.
Conveyancers order a mining report from the Mining Remediation Authority or through an approved search provider. Government guidance on accessing coal mining information and data explains what records are available.
When is a coal mining search needed?
The Law Society's guidance and most lenders expect a coal mining search where a property is in a coal mining reporting area. Your conveyancer will check the postcode and order the search if it applies. Even outside those areas, other mining such as tin, clay or limestone may be relevant, and a different specialist search can be ordered. Our guide to specialist property searches covers these.
What does a coal mining report show?
A standard residential report usually covers:
- Past underground coal mining and its approximate depth.
- Whether there are recorded mine entries (shafts or adits) within a set distance of the property.
- Any planned future underground mining.
- Past and present opencast (surface) mining nearby.
- Coal mining subsidence claims made on the property.
- Mine gas emissions or hazards reported nearby.
- Any notices or remedial works carried out by the authority.
Some reports add an interpretation and a recommendation, for example whether a ground investigation or further assessment is advised.
What if the report says there was past mining?
Past mining at depth is common and often not a concern. Most subsidence from old deep mining is thought to have happened within a few years of the coal being extracted. Your conveyancer will read the report and explain whether anything needs further attention.
The results that more often need follow-up are:
Shallow workings
Coal mined close to the surface can leave voids that may collapse later. A report may recommend a site investigation by a qualified engineer, and your lender may require one.
Mine entries near the property
An unrecorded or poorly treated shaft close to a house can be a real risk. Lenders often ask for a specialist report on the shaft's location and treatment before they will lend.
Previous subsidence claims
A past claim does not automatically mean there is still a problem. Your conveyancer will ask whether repairs were completed and whether the claim is closed.
Will my lender still lend?
Usually, yes. Lenders lend across coalfield areas every day. Your conveyancer must report mining issues that fall within the lender's instructions, and the lender may then:
- Accept the report with no conditions.
- Ask for a further report or a valuer's comment.
- Require a ground investigation or engineer's certificate before completion.
- In rare cases, decline the property.
If a lender refuses, another lender may take a different view. See our guide on what happens when a lender rejects a property after searches.
What about insurance and compensation?
Buildings insurers may ask about mining history, so be open with them. Separately, damage caused by coal mining subsidence may be covered by a statutory compensation scheme, which the Mining Remediation Authority administers for subsidence caused by past coal mining. Your conveyancer or the authority can explain how claims work if damage arises after you buy.
The Mining Remediation Authority also runs an emergency line for surface hazards such as a sudden hole in a garden. Details are on the authority's own website.
Should I get a survey?
A survey is always worth considering, and especially so in mining areas. A RICS surveyor can look for cracking, distortion or signs of movement. If the mining report and survey both raise concerns, a structural engineer's view can help you decide.
What does it cost?
A coal mining search is a disbursement, usually paid by the buyer. The cost varies by provider and report type, so it should be shown separately in your itemised quote. Further ground investigations can be more expensive and may be negotiated with the seller. Our page on conveyancing fees and disbursements explains what to expect.
What about Scotland?
The Mining Remediation Authority covers coal mining records in Scotland too, but the Scottish buying process differs. Sellers provide a Home Report, and mining information is dealt with under Scottish conveyancing rules.
Questions to ask before you commit
If the mining report raises anything, it helps to work through a short checklist with your conveyancer:
- Is the mining shallow or deep, and how long ago did it take place?
- Are any mine entries recorded close to the house, and has their position been confirmed?
- Has the property, or its neighbours, had subsidence claims, and were repairs completed?
- Does the survey show cracking or movement that might be linked?
- What exactly does your lender need before it releases funds?
Clear answers to these questions make it much easier to decide whether to proceed, renegotiate or withdraw.
How we can help
A conveyancer who knows coalfield areas will order the right searches and explain the results clearly. See our buyer conveyancing service or request a no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Coal Authority the same as the Mining Remediation Authority?
Yes. The Coal Authority now operates under the name Mining Remediation Authority. It keeps the same role of managing coal mining records, dealing with hazards and handling subsidence matters, so a mining report from it is what conveyancers previously called a Coal Authority report.
Does past coal mining reduce a property's value?
Not necessarily. Many homes in former coalfields sell at normal market values. Value is more likely to be affected where there are shallow workings, nearby mine entries or unresolved subsidence. Your surveyor and valuer will reflect any genuine concern.
Can I buy a house built over a mine shaft?
It may be possible if the shaft has been properly located and treated and there is evidence of this. Many lenders will want an engineer's report before lending. Untreated or poorly recorded shafts are a serious risk, so take specialist advice before committing.
Do I need a coal search if I am a cash buyer?
It is strongly recommended. Without a lender, there is no obligation, but a mining problem could affect your safety, insurance and future sale. Your eventual buyer's lender will almost certainly want a report, so having one now avoids surprises.
This guide is general information about the law in England and Wales as at the date shown above. It is not legal advice. Every property is different, so ask your conveyancer about your own situation. More in Unusual property searches explained.
