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Record subsidence claims hit £297 million as heatwaves dry London

8/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

UK Association of British Insurers reports record subsidence claims after five successive heatwaves dried London’s clay soil.
Average household claim reached £20,000, a 15 percent rise from the same quarter in 2025.
Insurance payouts for subsidence surged about 90 percent to £297 million over the four years through 2025.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan warns the city may need private investors to fund up to £36 billion annually into the 2050s.

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Story summary

UK Association of British Insurers reports record subsidence claims after five successive heatwaves dried London’s clay soil.
Average household claim reached £20,000, a 15 percent rise from the same quarter in 2025.
Insurance payouts for subsidence surged about 90 percent to £297 million over the four years through 2025.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan warns the city may need private investors to fund up to £36 billion annually into the 2050s.