Possible subsidence in new house

[Exm2509]

Hello, we've recently moved into a Victorian mid-terrace house and have become concerned about the number and size of the cracks throughout the property. We had a level 3 survey done before we moved in and they didn't flag anything concerning but caveated that as usual so I don't fully trust that it would've spotted anything unusual.

I'm already planning on getting a structural engineer survey to check for subsidence as we think we have a leaking soil pipe external to the house that goes under the decking and several patches of damp on the inside of the house near where the pipe is (mentioned in a different thread). What's concerned us even more is that a neighbour next door but one from us has had subsidence. I understand the soil type to be mudstone but can't figure out if that's clay-based and more susceptible?

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences? I'm hoping the leaking pipe will fix the issue but it just seems the entire house is littered with cracks that now we're taking photos of them, look like they've been painted over to sell. Also to mention, the front and back doors are also sticking. Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer! I just want to know that we're on the right track with our plans to fix the pipe and get an SE in to take a look.

 

[mrrusty]

we've recently moved into a Victorian mid-terrace house

Apart from the leaking soil pipe that needs sorting, not much else to worry much about as far as I can see. Bit of damp in the cold spots is likely condensation related. Old houses move about a bit as the temperature and humidity change. It's been there 120 years, and isn't going to fall down for a few small cracks. Start worrying if big diagonal cracks wider at one end than the other start appearing, but otherwise it's all cosmetic.