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@punkture
Yeah it costs alot to get rid of them, you have to install loads of steel beams which means intrusive works that then need making good and comes with a tonne of usually unforseen cosmetic work.
Plus the cost and time of getting party wall agreements and structural advice.
Remember Victorian terraces are basically (not entirely) keep upright and rigid because of these chimney stacks. Every so often you get a terraced house that just suddenly collapses. Often due to them or neighbours doing a bodge job on the chimney breast removals with some cowboy builders and not making sure it is done correctly.
End of the day these are old houses and fireplaces are major parts of an old building. If you are desperate for clean lines and square boxes, buy a modern building instead.