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Tue 25 Mar, 2008 08:36 am
A few months ago, I almost bought a house outside of London. The reason I withdrew the offer was that the survey said there had been cracks in the wall. This conclusion scared me.
Now I was informed that the house is still on the market and its price was reduced. I was supposed to buy it at £240,000, but now its asking price is only £235,000.
I find it tempting to come back, but at the same time, I still remember my initial instinct.
What would you do if you were in my situation?
Cracks in the walls can mean a few things.
Can you find an estimate on how much it would cost to repair the reason behind the cracks.. ? Then make your decision?
If the cracks are along studs, it shouldn't be a problem.
If the cracks are diagonal, then don't touch it.
I'd have the house professional inspected to determine the cause of the cracks.
No matter whether the Inspector finds or does not find major structural faults, you'll have to pay his fee. An inspection fee is better financially than a house that eats money.
Don't buy it. No matter how sound it might be, you will always worry and wonder about your initial instinct.
A house in greater London could very easily be better than 400 years old. I'd be more cautious of any house that DOESN'T have cracks.
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