tummansininen wrote:...*snip*
Ask the agent about the crack. I believe that the owner has to own up to damage that they know about. Maybe it's simply papered-over because it's been there for ten years and doesn't look nice? Maybe not. You're right to be asking.
Bear in mind that if the current owner were concerned they would have taken it to the body corporate. If any other apartments also had them, it would be (1) in the minutes of the meeting and (2) probably something arranged, like a survey done on the entire building. Any remedial works would be the responsibility of the entire building.
Although it's disconcerting to know they are there, at least you know you would never be up for the entire repair bill alone. After you buy you would have rights in the body corporate - and other owners would be unlikely to object if you wanted a survey done at that point, because damage can affect everyone, not just one apartment.
Thank you, yes indeed, it was actually the agent who said the crack was a result of "settling" but I will ask for an independent expert opinion.
The agent did send me 5 pdf files, including the housing association's balance sheet, strategy, and also the results of an expert's review of the conditions of the building(s). The review did not mention cracks in the wall of any individual apartment, but it was enlightening to see that they found many small issues throughout the block of buildings (which is apparently quite normal). When a layperson like me just walks around, I thought it looked perfect!
