Contaminated soil

Contaminated soil harbours chemical, biological or radioactive pollutants in concentrations that surpass intervention thresholds set by environmental authorities. Origins include defunct factories, leaking storage facilities, chemical spills and historical land use.

In commercial real estate transactions, soil quality assessment is standard due diligence. Remediation can impose substantial costs and delays, particularly in urban office and retail markets where industrial heritage is common.

Both owner and polluter may bear legal responsibility for cleanup. A phased soil survey (Phase 1 desktop and Phase 2 sampling) is critical before acquisition to quantify risk and liability.