Advise needed - Is this a sign of structural damage?

[Alan83]

Hi,

 

I was wondering if anyone could advise. I went to see a property to buy, but I noticed cracks in the walls and ceiling. I worried about the damages and procured a structural surveyor who described that in the report as -  

 

• "There is physical evidence of cracking detected to the walls in the upstairs landing and bedroom areas of the property, the cracks detected are consistent with a combination of historical settlement and thermal and differential movement.
• Recommend these are fully monitored over time to determine if any potential movement has stopped and then repaired back to a serviceable standard."

 

The first point suggests that it's just cosmetic damage that affects only plastering. The second point recommends monitoring cracks to establish the potential movement, which, in my opinion, could be very expensive to fix if the trend continues (a possible ground settlement that could require foundation reinforcement?). 

 

There are no apparent cracks in the brick wall on the other side of the solid wall, which makes me think it's cosmetics indeed. I worry that I am blinded by the fact that I really like the house. Is it a sign of structural damage?

 

 

Thanks,

Alan