like a house but has a retaining wall behind

pamelab21

we have seen a property we like the look of, approx. 8 years old in a new build estate but it has a wall like this behind:
http://www.externalworksindex.co.uk/entry/32833/Maccaferri/Timber-Crib-mass-gravity-retaining-wall/
albeit not quite a high but a decent height nonetheless
with houses overlooking the back garden beyond this wall.
What potential issues could this have as we wish to make this our last house.
How long do these walls last etc. Any thoughts and opinions appreciated.

DTDfanBoy

If properly built they should last decades, but they can be very expensive to repair or reinstate.

The first thing I'd be doing is to find out who actually owns the wall.

pamelab21

that's a good point, I would have no idea who that belongs to as although it would be in everyone in the streets garden, the houses in the street behind are all sitting on it.

stator

It wouldn't put me off, as long as the ownership and maintenance responsibilities are clear and factored in to the price of the house.

I guess water pooling / flooding might be an issue to be wary of, depending on the area?

pamelab21

Scotland so we get plenty of water fall!
the fact it is overlooked is a concern but to be honest the houses behind are up quite high so that they will almost look over the house!