Step crack on kitchen wall

[MrPotatoNew]

Hi,

Trying my luck in here with this.

First time buyer and found a good house. Got the survey done (level 3) and among other points they mentioned following.

"This property is a liveable condition. The structure is generally sound except the rear kitchen".

Further the surveyor has expanded the statement as " Cracking was noted to the rear kitchen walls, indicating possible structural movement. This has possibly been caused by leakage of underground drainage. We cannot confirm from a single inspection whether this is ongoing or serious. A qualified structural engineer should be instructed to assess the movement before proceeding with the purchase to confirm whether the movement is ongoing and, if so, to advise on the necessary remedial works."

There is no mention of subsidence but I'm confused. If this is serious then what cost I'll be looking at and approx how soon? There is no other crack anywhere else. Has anyone faced similar?

Difficult to assess from the pics

You can put something in the crack to see if it expands over time. That’s generally what I’d do. But you don’t own it so not possible

Are there cracks internally. How’s the plaster. Any evidence of a diy fix it job

Looks like a 1950s house by the brickwork so I’d personally be asking where’s the dpc.

Those cracks wouldnt bother me but I might get the water board to check for leaks. Ask the owner if their water usage has gone up

Thanks, no internal cracks visible to the surveyors. This is 1965 property. Now double minded for should I go for it or not. If yes, what kind is future cost should be considered.

I’ll be frank. As an architect those tiny cracks in a property of that age are nothing to worry about.
They are on almost all properties

It could just as easily be the bricks as these ones were used because they were inexpensive. No offence I just moved out of a property with the same bricks

Surveyors btw do this all the time.

If you want to see a problem that needs fixing here’s one below.

You see
Now that’s a problem that needs fixing 🥴 and that’s why I’m up at night. That’s a structural beam, or was it’s not there any more

So you’re all fine

Had a brain wave. I bet those cracks occurred after they drilled through to install the exterior water pipe or/ and drainage pipes coming from the kitchen

It’s still not an issue though but at least it explains things