Who is responsible for this

[puddlesmud]

We are selling our property, and in the buyers survey there appears to be an issue with the house which could require a pricey bill for works (involving digging) merely to find out what the problem is.
Would we be responsible for footing the bill for that?
Tia for any advice.

Depends what you negotiate. But if I was buying, I'd want you to investigate & pay or I'd walk away.

It's up for negotiation, there's no legal rule one way or the other - however, if it came up on this survey it will come up on all the rest so it's up to you to decide whether you want to tackle the problem proactively or push it back onto buyers. You need to be prepared for them to walk away if you decide to leave it to them though.

No one responsibility- up for negotiation. Also bear in mind that no same buyer will pay as much for a house with problems and they would for a problem-free house.

Thanks for your replies.

They've already got a great deal on the house significantly under asking price. Due to need for quick sale.