Would you get a survey on this house?

[Overtheseas]

The right hand chimney is leaning outward isn’t it? And though it’s hard to see, the pink circles show that the gap with the neighbouring property is wider at the bottom than at the top (by about an inch).

I don’t want to waste £££ on a survey if there is obviously a structural problem, I’d rather save my pennies and walk away. On the other hand if there’s a possibility that it’s just a quirk in an older property, I would consider it worth spending on a survey to find out more.

What do you think?

It’s a quirk but regardless, you need a homebuyers survey at the very least. It’s shortsighted too spend hundreds of thousands on a property and be reluctant to spend a few hundred making yourself aware of quirks or issues or just anything that may need a little tlc over time.

(YABU - walk away, YANBU- might be okay, pay for a survey)

@Grilledaubergines

It’s a quirk but regardless, you need a homebuyers survey at the very least. It’s shortsighted too spend hundreds of thousands on a property and be reluctant to spend a few hundred making yourself aware of quirks or issues or just anything that may need a little tlc over time.

Oh I totally agree. My dilemma is whether to offer at all (subject to survey) or just walk away now.

I don’t have money to be wasting on surveys that will tell me about a problem that was plain to see from the outset, iyswim. I am just clueless about houses so I’m not sure what is likely to be serious and what’s not!

Oh yes, it’s a lovely house and if it’s the right price and right for you, put the offer in. You could by a new build and find it’s a bit out of line - movement over the years etc. not necessarily problematic.

It could also be that the house next door isn’t quite straight either!

We bought a house which had a visible bow in the wall. The survey was completely unhelpful. Pointed out obvious bow in wall and said it needed further investigation. In the end we had to get a structural engineer to look who was quite happy with it. It's a quirky house which was built with a curvature on the wall to follow a curved boundary but was structurally fine. Not sure I'd rely on the survey to do more than tell you to get it looked at by someone else!

Thank you

Bumping in case anyone else can share an opinion?

Thanks

Have you actually asked the Seller about the gap and the chimney OP? They may have had similar concerns and found that it was nothing to worry about, if they claim they don't know what you're talking about, I'd have second thoughts, but if they say it was mentioned on their survey and it was investigated but all was fine, then ask to see the report they had done. Do you know how long they've lived there? If it's not long I'd be a bit concerned as they may be moving because they can't afford to have faults rectified. Have you asked them why they're moving, if their reason sounds normal, ie, moving up the market, job move, better schools, etc. fine, but if they seem a bit like they're trying to think on the spot of something suitable, then it's likely there are problems. Is the house well cared for inside, ie, are there going to be lots of little jobs needing doing, or will it be just a case of move in and decorate at your leisure? Are you a FTB, if so ask as many questions as you can think of, make sure you see the heating in operation, run all taps and flush all toilets to see if they present any problems. If you'd like any further advice, please feel free to PM me.

Forgot to say, check that all doors close properly, as if any tend to catch a bit, that could indicate movement in the house. Hope that helps.

Ask the seller it may be because the road steps down and next door extension isn't perfectly straight. I would say the chimley looks like it might need work but the wall not being straight at the bottom could be just the way it was built to line the gutters up.

My old house is wonky all over the place but structurally sound so yes, I would get the survey if I love the house.

Our chimney did this - it was wall ties. Has cost us £3k to fix but could have been worse.

Thanks so much everyone, really helps to have objective opinions / hear others’ experiences You’re awesome.

Could you not get a structural survey as opposed to a homebuyers' survey?

We took a chimney down when we moved into our house. It wasn't a big job.