Advice needed: Surveyor flagged possible movement
Hi everyone, just want to ask for some advice here.
I’m in the process of buying a flat in the UK and my surveyor spotted an area in another part of the building (but in a different flat) where there is a ‘substantial opening at the movement joint where the degree of separation is greater than expected’ (circled green in photo), which is also accompanied by ‘minor cracking to the adjacent mortar joint’ (circled orange in photo). He also mentioned that there is ‘slight rotation to the upper section of masonry’.
The report essentially suggested that this could indicate some movement within the building, rather than simply deterioration of the materials.
This has naturally raised alarm bells and we have informed the seller who got into contact with the building management. The building management then got a ‘contractor’ to looked at it and they are saying that the mastic joint has failed and they will fix it.
Having read various posts on this subreddit about subsidence and structural movement, I’m understandably a bit wary and don’t want to overlook something potentially serious before committing to the purchase.
Would be very grateful if anyone has any advice for the following:
1) Does this look like a failed mastic joint from the building contractor, or more like what the surveyor reported ?
2) Should I get an structural engineer to have a look before proceeding? (I assume I probably will have to pay for this myself).
3) Would an external inspection potentially be sufficient? (The issue is at another part of the building in another flat so I’m not sure I would be able to get access)
I appreciate that nobody can give a definitive assessment from a photo and a short description, but would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has dealt with something similar or has experience with this sort of issue.