Buying a house with cracks in extension?

[Kokapetl]

Asking for a friend/relative

They've had an offer accepted on a house they really like in a good area, but a builder friend has told them the cracks in the extension are likely to be subsidence, maybe caused by a big tree in the garden. The problem is only in the extension which is a two storey extension which turns it from 3 bed to 4 bed and adds a utility and reception room.

The price is pretty good as the sellers want a quick sale and they may be willing to reduce further based on a survey. But my friend is worried that the mortgage company won't loan on this house. They are not sure whether to get a structural survey done (expensive) or just pull out. Anyone got any advice or experiences, please?

The mortgage lender will lend but just advise to get it looked at.

How long was extension done? Could it not just be settlement cracks?

Either walk away - or if they really like the house, get a structural engineer in.

Can they check on the council’s planning portal to see if the extension had permission, and ask about building control certification.

If no permission then maybe “Gerry-built”

Whether there is permission or not, a PP is correct - either walk away or if they like the house then get a survey down to advise on cause and remedial works.
It baffles me that a purchaser would baulk at a survey fee (and the insurance backing that comes with it) when compared to the value of the house or the potentially high repair costs.

The extension is over 35 years old as it was there when the current owners bought it. They say the cracks have been there about 10 years. It looks fine apart from the cracks. No damp or anything.

My friend just doesn't want to waste money as it is very likely to be a structural thing. As the vendor is willing to reduce it might be ok, as long as it wouldn't be a problem with the mortgage or insurance.