Building survey - How bad is this?

GDVS

I expected the Edwardian terrace I'm currently in the process of buying to have some issues, but there's an element of the building survey that worries me.

"Structural cracking within the internal brickwork walls to both the ground and first floor areas of the property "

In detail...
- Cracking can be seen within the plasterwork above the rear door aperture
- Extensive cracking is evident within the party wall between the store cupboard and the living room. The cracking extends the full width of the wall structure.
- Cracking can be seen within the plasterwork above the kitchen/hall door

Apparently I need a builder to remove plaster to evaluate the extent and cause, what's the cause likely to be and how big a problem is this?

liamfahy

Although I am not a surveyor but the cracks are to a party wall and above door apertures and therefore not in load bearing areas. I therefore don't think this issue is serious but I would revisit the property yourself to ascertain how big theses cracks are then make your decision. You could also the current owner for a contribution to any work needed.

G_M

How can you state that cracking to a perty wall is not load bearing? It could be. Not enough information.

Either instruct a structural engineer's report, or walk away from this purchase.

robatwork

A party wall can be load bearing!

daveyjp

A party wall is normally load bearing. It goes to into the loft and supports the roof.

With cracks you need to know are they historic and not of any concern. Or are they recent and an issue which needs sorting.

When my surveyor found a crack in a terraced house party wall he advised us to avoid the property so we did.