Would a water meter put families off buying house?

Contessa

I'm intending to sell my house and relocate. No meter at present and still undecided. I've used an on-line calculator a couple of times and there wasn't much of a saving. Just filled in another one and it indicates the bill would be halved (based on 2 people). I recalculated, based on water use when we were a family of 4 at home, and a meter would cost about £100 more.
My main reasons for not changing to a meter have been 1) little saving of money, 2) off-putting to potential family buyers.
Any views please?

terryw

I doubt very much if a water meter would deter anyone from buying a particular house. Other factors are far more important, and indeed the existence of the meter could well be a plus point as many people are keen on water conservation.

Gothicfairy

I am not sure I agree with Terry as you can fit a meter and have it removed but if the property already comes with one you are stuck.

I have known people call up water companies to ask how properies are being charged when they were looking to buy.

If it costs you nothing that you can't manage now I would suggest leaving it alone and letting the new owners sort themselves out

moonrakerz

Gothicfairy wrote: »

you can fit a meter and have it removed

Not correct I'm afraid.
You can have a meter fitted and revert to "rateable value" billing within 12 months - the meter stays put, so any new occupier would have to be metered.

deanos

If its a large family and not very well off it could put them off, if you are going sell very soon its not worth it IMO

SailorSam

I live on my own and i know i could save by having a meter fitted but have been put off 'cos i thought it may have put off a buyer if i was to try and sell.

Sunnyday

I would never consider a property with one TBH, sorry if thats not what you would expect to hear

We save and reuse as much water as possible but the thing that has always been at the back of my mind is that once you have one you are at the mercy of the supplier whatever they decide to charge. There is no switching around as with the energy suppliers.
Our bill would undoubtedly be cheaper with one but that could change all too quickly and i really don`t trust any of the big companies.
SD

deanos

Sunnyday wrote: »

once you have one you are at the mercy of the supplier whatever they decide to charge.

No you are not, OFWAT are in charge of prices, they simply cant just put them up like Gas & Electric

Cardew

Many water authorities will fit a meter on change of owner/tenant anyway.

They are authorised to do so and while some companies enforce that regulation - others don't. There have been mutterings that it might become mandatory - as was always intended.

Loads of posts on MSE from people who were given no option - a meter was fitted. As of course it should be!!

Gothicfairy

moonrakerz wrote: »

Not correct I'm afraid.
You can have a meter fitted and revert to "rateable value" billing within 12 months - the meter stays put, so any new occupier would have to be metered.

I know, I use the term removed as some have become confused in the past when it has been explained.
Some companies give you 2 years now.
Also if you revert back to RV and then a new tenant moves in there is a 50 / 50 chance that the new tenant will remain on RV.
Not all water companies change over when new people move in.

Contessa

Thanks for all your helpful replies. Think I'll stay with the RV for now as it may put family buyers off. I fully expect that my next house will have a meter installed.