1st purchase negotiations - boiler service?

freakuno

Hi,

We are currently in the process of buying our first property. The Homebuyer's survey is being done next week. On initial viewing of the property it transpired that the house has been vacant for quite some time (possibly a year). I asked if the boiler had been serviced recently and the vendors confirmed that the boiler had not been serviced of late. The boiler is a combination boiler and was replaced approx 5 years ago.

I phoned the estate agent today just to check in that everything was in place for the Homebuyer's survey and whilst on the phone mentioned that I would want the boiler serviced prior to exchange of contracts and queried if our engineer would be able to make arrangements for access. The estate agent said that they would not give access to the property for the boiler service prior to exchange of contracts nor would they provide a representative to be at the property whilst the service takes place.

I'd like to know people's views on this. Should we insist via our solicitor that a certificate of service is provided (could be a condition of the contract I guess on exchange). Given the estate agent's stance on giving access to the property I guess it will have to be the vendor to provide the certificate although I would be happy to pay for it. I don't want to move into a property coming into winter to find that we have a duff boiler!

Thanks for your views.

jjlandlord

It seems normal enough that the vendor does not want anyone meddling with the boiler, or anything else, before they have committed to buy the property.

You can ask that they have the service done. They can (and probably will) refuse.

During a viewing you should at least check that the boiler works overall by trying to use it for hot water and heating.

AdrianC

I really, really wouldn't worry about it. A "service" on a modern boiler is minimal, not much more than basic checks. It's certainly no guarantee of reliability. Get it serviced after you've moved in.

lmwarr21

We have just exchanged contracts on our house. Our buyers solicitor insisted that we produce an up to date service for our boiler. Our solicitor also requested this from our sellers so it maybe in fact that your solicitor would do the same and insist its done anyway.

Newly_retired

We have just sold, and there was no request to get the boiler serviced. We provided a service record of last year's service in June 2013.

Tigsteroonie

Newly_retired wrote: »

We have just sold, and there was no request to get the boiler serviced. We provided a service record of last year's service in June 2013.

But that's quite recent.

We're trying to buy a house where the chap has "been carrying out his own boiler servicing" (rolleyes) for a number of years, so are trying to insist on it being serviced before exchange - we don't want to buy a house with a boiler that gets condemned and requires replacement. The seller says he is happy to do this but, for some reason, he seems incredibly reluctant to agree an exchange date. Suspicious moi?

freakuno

Thanks for the advice. Will speak to our solicitor when we go to see them to take their view. I'm just concerned because the house has been vacant for quite a while.

Just a further quick question...how often are you meant to replace a boiler anyways? Our first house and all, not really something I know a lot about?!?

Argghhh

some boilers last 25 years some last 5, just lucky or not. older ones are usually less efficient and cost more to run. The guy servicing his own boiler might be an ex british gas man and to be honest when they service it, they dont do much

G_M

There is a difference between a 'service' (cleaning etc ) and an 'inspection' (just looking).

No home owner will allow someone to mess with their boiler - certainly not before you've even commited to buy the property.

But they should agree to let you send an engineer to do an inspection report.

If it has not been serviced for a while, you could ask the seller to service it before Completion. They will probobly refuse. You want it serviced, get it serviced once you own it!

The general advice is to get boilers serviced annually. Many people do not though. I persuaded my elderly dad to get his serviced this year for the 1st time in 14 years! The engineer said it was in good condition....

Replacement boiler? In the old days, they would last 20, 25, 30 years. Nowadays they are not built to last so probobly 15 - 20 years is a boiler's lifespan.

And of course modern condencing boilers are more efficient so if you have, say, a conventional 10 year old you might consider upgrading. On the other hand, if it's working well, why bother?

Smi1er

As a seller would I allow a service pre-exchange? No


Would I allow you to see the HW and CH working pre-exchange? Yes

Hoploz

I have just been made to have my boiler serviced as the buyer's solicitor suddenly insisted on it on the day we were supposed to exchange. Managed to get it done Thursday eve !!! chain was insisting we must exchange today and buyer's solicitor refused to exchange without the certificate. Buyer didn't seem all that bothered by all accounts.

No exchange still and it is Friday night.

Spent my £84 and will have to do my own on the house I'm buying.

Poo.