First time buyer - advice re boiler concerns

jonnygee2

the pressure might just need a top up

It might. There might also be a leak, or the system might just be bust. That's why I would want to know why the pressure gauge is zero.

AlexMac

Every one of the last six properties I've bought has needed a new boler within 1-3 years; cost £1.3k - £3k...

Probably less than I've spent over the average 1-3 year period on decor, furishings, window-coverings... not to mention wine?

You decide

Rambosmum

I wouldn't let a boiler put me off an otherwise good purchase. Factor in the fact you may need a new boiler in to your financial planning and carry on.

joanie_mac

Thank you all for your advice - I know I may be being slightly over cautious but I'm sure you can appreciate buying your first place and doing it on your own is fairly daunting!

I will be making an offer this week

Hoploz

Once you've secured it you'll probably have some sort of survey ... There will inevitably be other things to concern you and you will need to take a view on it as a whole. Every home needs maintenance.

The most important issue with flats is the lease - length and ongoing costs. It'd be a good idea to get this info before offering, as if the lease is below 80 years some mortgage companies won't lend, and it costs potentially tens of thousands to extend a short lease which will make the new boiler pale into insignificance and seriously affect the value.

joanie_mac

Yep I'm aware of all the implications that come with a leasehold - the lease has 99 years left and I don't plan on still being there by the time it gets to 80!