The boiler is often an afterthought when buying a house — but an old or poorly maintained boiler can cost you thousands in the first year. Here's what to check before and after you move in.
Before exchange: questions to ask
- How old is the boiler? (Ask for the installation date — it's on the Gas Safe certificate)
- When was it last serviced? (Ask for the service record)
- Is the boiler under manufacturer warranty? (If yes, ask for the warranty documents)
- Has there been any recent work or repairs?
During survey: what the surveyor checks
A standard homebuyer's survey will comment on the boiler's visible condition and age, but usually won't carry out a functional test. For a more thorough assessment, consider a specialist gas engineer survey (we offer these for £79).
After moving in: first things to do
- Locate the boiler and familiarise yourself with the controls
- Check the boiler pressure (should be 1–1.5 bar)
- Run all hot taps and test radiators throughout the house
- Check when the next service is due
- Register for a Gas Safety Check if renting the property out
When to budget for replacement
If the boiler is over 10 years old with no recent service history, budget for replacement within 1–2 years. Factor this into your purchase negotiations — a new boiler typically costs £1,000–£1,500 and is a reasonable cost to negotiate against the asking price.
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