Buying a probate property

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82123557#Comment_82123557

I would not worry about a service 'running out' - many people do not have their boiler serviced at all.

I am always surprised by how many threads there are on the forum, where people are spending hundreds of thousands on a property and worrying about the boiler more than most other things. Compared to some potential problems with a property, replacing a boiler is a relatively minor issue.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82123557#Comment_82123557

Anticipate having to replace the boiler, either right away, or in the near future. Give some thought as to your new heating system, tho' if you go ASHP, then chances are you'll need new rads too.

Confirm the offered price, please? This is an empty Probate house, and you have offered £5k more than a Zoopla estimate?

How much are they asking for? And how does this compare with similar sold properties in the 'hood? And how much interest is in this one?

Bigphil1474

IME, probate properties either tend to be a bit of a bargain because the executor just wants it shifting (saves them the cost of an empty house), or takes forever cos the beneficiaries are too greedy. Should be easy enough to get the electrics and water on, might be better leaving the gas off until the new boiler is fitted (or heat pump).

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82125275#Comment_82125275

might be better leaving the gas off until the new boiler is fitted 

There is no indication there is anything wrong with the current boiler, only that it has not been seen in operation. So would be a bit premature to change it without testing it . Could well be a good few years in it yet with a bit of luck.

FreeBear

If the boiler does need replacing, then it is worth looking at an ASHP - Yes, some/all of the radiators will need replacing, and possibly some of the plumbing. But correctly specified and set up, it should be cheaper to run.

Should the boiler be a relatively new condensing model with the ability to modulate, then it is still worth fitting new, bigger radiators. Then you can turn the flow temperature down and benefit from higher efficiency - I run my heating system at 40-50°C and regularly get 94% out of it.