Selling house with a broken boiler

Grenage

I would personally get it repaired.

I think this is one of those rare occasions where you would get back more than you'd shell out.

LittleMax

At our old house the boiler was coming to the end of its life and at the service it was recommended we replaced it. We had him quote for this and because regulations had changed since it had been installed 20 years or so ago we were told it would need to be relocated, this would involve additional pipework so was expensive.

As the property was rented we decided to wait until tenants changed and we didn't do anything about getting other quotes. Next year the same guy serviced the boiler and asked if we had thought any more about having it changed. We were talking through the options with him with a view to getting cost down and he then decided to tell us that perhaps he could leave the boiler in the same position after all, just changing the flue outside so that it vented higher up the wall (the issue was it went out onto neighbouring drive).

So based on that I would always question what all of the options are and get some other people to quote too. Explain to them that you are selling so looking for cheapest options. Don't assume they will give you the only option or even the cheapest option.

I wouldn't sell with a broken boiler. Had the boiler not lasted until we sold, we had planned to get someone to replace it in its current location with the cheapest model we could possibly get. This would undoubtedly have meant using a slightly less scrupulous plumber than our trusted guy, but as long as they were corgi registered so be it.

thesaint

G_M wrote: »

Whatever you say upfront about the boiler being broken, and the asking price reflecting that, you'll still get lower offers because "the boiler doesn't work."

It's human nature.

Of course.
Would you suggest they don't say anything then?

LittleMax

PeterLWilson wrote: »

As a last resort, check out the governments green deal boiler replacement scheme...

Downside is that it's likely to make your home much harder to sell, but may still be better than selling with a broken boiler.

I think both of these options are bad. But personally out of these 2 options I would choose the house with the broken boiler every time.

In both cases the buyer is paying for the new boiler, but at least with the first option they get to choose what they are paying for!

BitterFruit

This is really useful for us, thanks for taking the time to reply! It's reassuring to know that others have been in a similar situation, as it's been tricky to find advice online.

sheff6107

If you won't fix a broken boiler, buyers will start thinking what else you have skimped on.

When it becomes apparent the boiler is not easy to replace, more alarm bells will start ringing.

It's like trying to sell a car with no MOT.

BitterFruit

I agree, I think it's likely we will get it fixed. Thanks for your advice.

G_M

thesaint wrote: »

Of course.
Would you suggest they don't say anything then?

No. I'd suggest they either

* accept that they'll get lower offers and so lose money on the sale price, or

* get the boiler fixed/replaced

podmore

I have been living in my house now since 1992, the boiler has been condemned by the gas board for approx. 5 years now. I really cant afford to replace it . I work full time however my wages wont stretch to providing a new one plus the instillation. is there help out there ??
Thanks

G_M

podmore wrote: »

I have been living in my house now since 1992, the boiler has been condemned by the gas board for approx. 5 years now. I really cant afford to replace it . I work full time however my wages wont stretch to providing a new one plus the instillation. is there help out there ??
Thanks

If 'the gas board' (whoever they are??!!) has condemned it, then presumably you have had no heating or hot water for the last 5 years, since the boiler would have been disconnected.

How have you managed?

Or do you simply mean that varous service engineers have said "It's on its last legs" or " We won't be able to get any replacement parts if something goes wrong in the future."

That's not the same as 'condemned'. It may last another 5 years. Or more.

And if it is a 'replacement parts' issue - you'd be surprised. You can often find parts which an engineer says cannot be found, either from ebay or specialist suppliers. The engineers don't bother to look too hard because they'd rather sell you a brand new boiler!