As an update -we're out.
The slab is, indeed, moving in the wrong direction - ie downwards and there is some concern as to the viability of the house. Having said that, the surveyor is convinced it'll hold up, but he is doing extra inspections to make sure.
His current focus is on the olive-growing neighbour, where he has identified 'in excess of seven illegal boreholes'. He thinks that the underground aquifer may be so depleted that it's causing the ground to shift 'a bit'. I questioned why the rear of the house seemed stable and he wandered over to our (illegal) cess-pit, took a look and said...
My friend, your piss is keeping the ground moist.
Imagine that! The Significant Spenders piss along with my contributions are holding the bloody house up!
All's good, but I don't wish anyone a Mother-in-law like mine.
