Boiler Condemned in Soon to Be New Home

alsaskiaj

Hi all,
I am aware that there have been many similar posts relating to condemned boilers and advise surrounding this. However, I am looking for some up to date information.

Myself and my partner are first time buyers and we are currently awaiting the surveyor to attend the property prior to us exchanging contracts. However, yesterday it was brought to our attention that following an annual service on the boiler (back boiler), it has been deemed "at risk" due to a ventilation being undersized. As a result, a warning notice has been slapped on the boiler and oddly, the request to turn off the appliance for the safety of the occupants (of which there are none at present), the property and neighbouring properties has been refused by the seller. In addition to this, there is also a leak in the cold water storage cistern and this will need rectifying.

Naturally, my partner and I have asked whether or not the seller would be willing to replace the boiler or otherwise lower the cost of the purchase price that was agreed. However, the seller has stated that he is only prepared to lower this "slightly", knowing that the cost to replace a back boiler with combi-boiler can cost a considerable amount.

1. Am we being unreasonable in asking for a fair negotiation of the price as a result of the boiler issues once the surveyors report has been returned (providing there are no additional faults at the property)?
2. Am we within our right to request that the boiler is turned off as instructed by British Gas to ensure safety prior to exchange as we will be expected to Insure the home from the date that we exchange contracts? (And to visit the property to confirm this).

Thanks,
Aimee

Alter_ego

You can ask for whatever reduction you like before exchange. My experience of  unsafe installations is that BG turn off and seal the supply.

ComicGeek

If it's due to lack of ventilation, then the easy answer is to install a new vent in the external wall - I can't see any justification in replacing the back boiler if this is the only issue. If I was the vendor then I certainly wouldn't contribute to a new combi boiler.

But wait until you get the surveyor's report, you only want to negotiate once.

foxy-stoat

If you were to reduce the price to include for a new boiler installation I would have to increase the asking price as there would be a new boiler installed instead of a 5/10/15 year old one.

As you do not own the property at this point you cannot make them do anything to their property.  You can ask though if you want.

Falafels

If I were you, I'd forget trying to reduce the asking price for the property; your vendor is unlikely to want the hassle of something they hadn't asked for and won't benefit from. Wait for your surveyor's report, carry on with your purchase and then, when you're ready... take advantage of this - once you move in:
https://www.boilergrants.org.uk/#:~:text=Under%20the%20Governments%20ECO%20Scheme,installation%20of%20your%20new%20boiler.

That way, you can have things exactly the way YOU want them, rather than relying on a disinterested vendor.

AdrianC

You thought you were buying a house with an ancient back-boiler and an ancient cold-water storage tank.

If the vendor replaces them, you'll be buying a house with a brand new replacement... Has the property been valued taking account of the ancient installation...? Would a direct replacement with the cheapest possible option be what you would really want? Or is this a good excuse to upgrade to something less historic...?

Soot2006

AdrianC said:

You thought you were buying a house with an ancient back-boiler and an ancient cold-water storage tank.

If the vendor replaces them, you'll be buying a house with a brand new replacement... Has the property been valued taking account of the ancient installation...? Would a direct replacement with the cheapest possible option be what you would really want? Or is this a good excuse to upgrade to something less historic...?

This, 100x!

There is a wold of difference between the cheapest shiny new boiler put in the cheapest location to suit the current system and the boiler of you choice in a location of your choice.

mattyprice4004

Yep, to mirror the above comments you knew it was an old system, and now it'll be a new system - so you can't expect the full cost (not even half really) to be covered.
A small token discount of a few hundred quid maybe, at most. 

silvercar

If your offer was made on the basis of a working old boiler and now you are looking at a condemned boiler, I would be asking for a reduction. It may have been in your plans that you wouldn't replace it til next year and now you are faced with the extra cost before winter.
I'd also want that leaking cold water cistern fixed; the last thing you need is to move into a place that has had a small leak on the go for weeks, potentially damaging floorboards etc.

[Deleted User]

If its any consolation, if you decided to replace the old system with new, once I had the same done the place heated up much quicker and my heating costs were halved, immediately.  That will be an ongoing benefit. 

dimbo61

So what is the rest of the property looking like.
Old boiler, leaks, needs a new kitchen ? and bathroom ? 
What about the electrics ? 
Have you got £2,500 for a new boiler ? Can you get one under a government grant ? Or Interest free.
Ecotec Vialliant boiler 👍