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Homeowners are being advised to be on the lookout for the telltale clues of subsidence, as the United Kingdom has had its driest summer period for 80 years.

The Met Office released figures showing that between January and June of this year, the average rainfall measured 356.8mm. This is the lowest recorded reading since the 275.7mm reading in 1929.

The lack of rainfall this summer has led to some water companies imposing a hosepipe ban to save resources, but some home insurance firms are issuing warning to be on the lookout for signs of subsidence.

Subsidence most often occurs on clay soil. It involves the shifting of the foundations of a building downward, which is a result of changes in the soil’s moisture level. Clay soil is prone to shrinking if it gets too dry, as shrubs and trees reduce its water content.

Leaking drains also have their part to play in causing subsidence. Around a fifth of home insurance claims to do with subsidence are a result of leaking drains eroding the soil around the foundations of a building.

The comparatively wet summers of the past three years have been mostly responsible for the low levels of subsidence, with 2006 being the last time a prolonged dry period led to an increase in home insurance claims.

The head of Marks and Spencers’ general insurance, Andrew Ferguson, said:

“The outlook for this summer is currently predicted to be 27% drier than average, so it looks like we have the conditions for subsidence losses. Repairing the damage caused by subsidence can cost of thousands of pounds, so it's vital to know the early signs to look out for.

 “What should be looked out for are small cracks which suddenly appear in plaster work inside and outside bricks at weak points, such as around doors and windows. These may indicate movement in the building's foundations. The cracks will normally be thicker than a 10p coin, and usually be wider at the top.”

He went on to explain that most buildings will experience cracks at some point, and householders should not be alarmed by every crack that appears.

Subsidence was responsible for claims increasing sevenfold in the south east between 1989 and1990, and a doubling of claims between 1995 and 1997.