Who should pay?

[Lostinthesauce]

I just wanted to ask following a survey which the buyer has paid for, if its recommended that a structural engineer review some cracks outside the house, who should foot the costs? Is this something both the vendor and buyer split costs on or does the buyer pick up the full bill? Also if the property was purchased with mentioned cracks and following a structural engineers visit, there were substantial costs to rectify cracks, should vendor allow a reduction in price?

Buyer pays for the survey (I'd have thought), reductions in price to be negotiated - some vendors will say yes and some no!

Would you allow for a reduction in price, in knowing that you purchased the property with the cracks @bravotango ?

I would say buyer pays for the SE report. There are so many reasons as to why cracks appear, some are okay some are not. It would all depend on why the cracks are there, if it’s due to thermal movement then no I doubt you would get a reduction. Same if it is historical movement that has creased but dependant on if it is structurally okay. If it’s due to missing Lintels you would possibly see how much it would cost for the works and see if they would reduce. If it was due to subsidence, you need to venders insurance to sort it. I think it would all depend on the reasoning as to why there are cracks.

I think it will depend on a lot of things, such as how much the buyer wants the house and how desperately the seller needs to sell.

As a buyer you'd want the seller to pay but as the seller you probably wouldn't want to, especially if it's been like that ages and you think it's fine. Then again, if you need to sell and don't think it likely you'll get another buyer easily you might be inclined to pay.

As a buyer I'd pay for it if I really wanted the house, definitely wouldn't want to move in not knowing the extent of the issue.

If the seller purchased it with the cracks without having it checked out that's a bit silly, and in my opinion it is irrelevant to the buyer now.

Buyer pays. Why would you expect the seller to pay?

Buyer pays for survey but depending on why the cracks are there and the cost to get them fixed a negotiation is reasonable and expected. Specially if it’s something that will cost thousands.

Buyer. I think prices start at £600 for a full structural survey

Thank you all for your help, it's much appreciated.