London Homes Face Cracking and Sinking Risk as Heatwaves Shrink Clay Soil

Homeowners in London are facing growing structural risks as increasingly hot summers cause clay-rich soil to shrink and shift. When clay soil dries out, it contracts significantly, potentially destabilizing the foundations of buildings above it. Older properties with shallower foundations are particularly vulnerable to this type of ground movement. The presence of nearby trees worsens the problem, as roots absorb moisture and accelerate soil drying. Experts warn that the trend is likely to intensify as extreme heat becomes more frequent across the UK capital.