Trees near house and possible subsidence

[Pinklemon]

I'm in a process of buying this house. It ticked all the boxes but in the back garden, next to the side fence are a row of trees that belong to the neighbours, mostly conifers, I think. When I first viewed the house, I seen a crack on a wall in the front lounge and another one in the loft ceiling. I wasn't too worried so made an offer. Now having read up about it, I'm concerned the cracks may be due to subsidence. A building survey is being carried out next week. I asked the EA and the vendor, both said they are not aware of any structrual or subsidence problem with this property but with trees being so close, I'm thinking of pulling out. Please help!

Conifers are unlikely to cause a problem, its big trees on clay that tend to cause the problem. (Personal experience, not actually that bad) look at the cracks, subsidence usually causes diagonal or stepped cracks around doors and windows.

Just make sure that your surveyor is aware of what you can see and don't worry too much, all houses have some cracks.

Thanks, from what I can remember the crack is vertical, a few inches long and no more than 2mm wide. On my second viewing the crack was covered by a picture frame. I've spoken to the surveyor's helpline and the lady said the surveyor is not allowed to move anything in the property. But I really want the crack behind the picture frame to be looked at.

Ummm, it's not just clay soil that can cause subsidence - the Fens are famous for it (peat soil). Typical subsidence cracks go from the corners of doors and windows.
If you are serious about this house and the survey is ok, don't just go and lop the trees down - get advice as the opposite of subsidence is heave - where the soil is suddenly more moist due to trees being removed, it can cause as many problems as subsidence.

Thanks, mineofuselessinfo, was there subsidence in your house, due to nearby trees? What type of trees, if any? How was it fixed? I think it's either clay soil or sand/gravel in my area.

Had a house with subsidence on peat soil (6 months to repair - had to move out) and looked at a house with heave... The owners had cut down a big walnut tree and didn't know what they were doing.
The survey should guide you, and tree surgeons would be able to advise you about cutting down conifers so that they don't cause damage.
Hope that helps.