Leaning chimney. Serious?

[Overtheseas]

Chimney on the right is leaning outwards slightly. And the pink circles show that the gap between the house and neighbouring property is wider at the bottom than at the top.

I don’t want to waste time and money making an offer and paying for a survey if this is obviously a serious structural issue. But if there’s a chance it could be okay, then I’d consider it worth paying for a survey, because I do like the house.

What do you think, run a mile, or pay find out more?

I can't see the gap with the neighbouring house

The chimney can be corrected fairly easily, by taking it down and rebuilding it. Simple bit of brickwork. If you have no open fires it is better to remove it and make the roof over the gap. Reduced future problems and maintenance.

If it is bending towards the prevailing wind this may be a result of gas fire fumes on old mortar.
have a careful look at the walls for cracks or recent redecoration.

walk down the street and look for other cracks, leans or repairs. Typically old streets were built over a period of a few years using much the same designs, materials and building techniques in all the houses, so your house will have the same problems as others in the street.

Thank you @PigletJohn! Yeah sorry the picture is not very good. The gap with the neighbouring property is about 4 inches at the bottom and 2-3 at the top.

Good to know sorting the chimney wouldn’t be too big an issue, what I’m most worried about is that it means there’s a problem with the foundations (that is what google throws up) but equally google is a scare-mongerer!

I thought it could be the wind, but then the other chimney isn’t affected?

I have a vague impression that the mortar and brickwork in the other chimney looks better, perhaps it has already been done.

borrow a pair of binoculars

yachting bins or astronomer bins are generally better than birdwatcher bins (but bigger and heavier so less suitable for tramping over the moors)