After searching for ages, I have found a flat that my very difficult elderly mother actually likes. The location, size and price are perfect and, unlike many retirement complexes, it does not have ridiculously high service charges or restrictions on resale. Unfortunately, there is a crack running across the top of the windows.
According to the estate agent, the owners (probate sale) have not discussed the crack with the building management. From some local research, the freeholder appears to have had a structural engineer's report carried out suggesting that there might be problems elsewhere in the building, but the person I spoke to did not know the outcome or any other details. The estate agent has emailed the freeholder requesting more information but they have not responded so far. The flats were built about 10 years ago and it is not a concrete construction.
Obviously, I have not made an offer; however, although I know we should walk away, I cannot tell you how many "unsuitable" properties I have looked at. This flat would solve so many problems and I would love there to be an innocent explanation for the cracks.
My questions are:
Is there any reason, other than subsidence, why a building would have cracks?
If there were issues found in the structural engineer's report, would the freeholder have been obliged to share this information with the leaseholders?
Who is liable for the repairs (cosmetic and/or serious)?
Other than requesting a copy of the structural engineer's report, what other information should I request?
What should I expect vendors to do and/or provide?
Any advice, suggestions or comments would be appreciated.