Does a Homebuyers Survey Check the Boiler?
Checking the boiler is in good condition should be a priority when purchasing a home, as boiler repairs or replacement is one of the larger, single, immediate expenses you may be faced with after you move in.
The simple answer is no, a Homebuyers Survey will not test the boiler. A standard RICS survey, whether it is a Level 2 or Level 3, is a visual inspection of the property; surveyors are not qualified to test gas, plumbing, or electrical systems, but they can flag visual issues for further investigation.
What does a surveyor look at?
While a surveyor does not test the boiler, they will still conduct a thorough visual inspection of the entire heating system. In your report, they will highlight any obvious issues that could indicate a problem.
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A Surveyor Looks For
| A Visual Inspection Does NOT Cover
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A Surveyor Looks For
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A Surveyor Looks For
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In our recent survey, 16% of homeowners found defects; including 2% who were able to pull out of a bad purchase, 7% who were able to negotiate a better price, and sadly, 7% of homeowners who did not get a survey and discovered defects after the purchase.
12 of the 39 who remembered how much these defects cost to remedy spent over £5,000
Don't burn your money, book a survey.
What to do for a Full Boiler Check
For a complete check of the boiler's safety and functionality, you must instruct a separate, specialist inspection. This inspection must be carried out by a Gas Safe-registered engineer.
Arranging the inspection
As the buyer, you are responsible for arranging and paying for the inspection. Here is a simple guide to the process:
- Request Access: You must first get permission from the seller to have an engineer visit the property. This request is typically made through your solicitor or the estate agent.
- Book the Engineer: Once you have access, you can book a qualified engineer. You can find a local, registered professional through the official Gas Safe Register website.
- Receive the Report: The engineer will perform a full inspection and provide a report on the boiler's safety and condition. This will include a list of any faults or recommendations for repairs.
What the engineer will check
The engineer will conduct a full test of the system. Their inspection is not visual-only and includes:
- Checking the gas pressure and flow to the boiler.
- Testing all safety devices and controls.
- Inspecting the flue to ensure it is clear and safe.
- Looking for any signs of gas leaks.
A successful inspection gives you a certificate confirming the boiler's safety and a clear picture of its condition. If any major faults are found, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to have the boiler fixed or to reduce the purchase price.
Do I need a survey AND a specialist check?
Yes. A home survey and a specialist check are complementary, not interchangeable. Your RICS survey will give you an overview of the property's condition and help you identify any major, visible issues.
If your surveyor spots anything that requires a closer look, they will highlight it in their report and recommend a specialist check.
Getting a Gas Safe inspection on top of your survey will give you complete peace of mind, knowing that your boiler is both functional and safe.
What if the boiler is faulty or broken?
In England & Wales, the legal principle of 'caveat emptor' or 'buyer beware' applies. This means it's your responsibility as the buyer to find any problems with the property before you purchase it.
The seller's position
While a seller is not obligated to fix a broken boiler, they must not mislead you and must answer the Property Information Form (TA6) truthfully.
If they state the boiler is working when they know it isn't, this could be classed as misrepresentation.
What can the buyer do?
A broken boiler, once identified, can be a powerful negotiation tool. The cost to replace an average gas boiler can range from £2,000 to £4,000, including installation.
If your survey or a specialist inspection uncovers a major fault, you can use the estimates cost of the repair or replacement to negotiate a reduction in the asking price.
It is always better to know about the issue before you are legally committed to the purchase.
Call or send us a message to request a callback or an email answering your queries about our surveys.
Our UK-based survey team can help you choose the right level of home survey for your property, at no extra charge.
There's no obligation to instruct. We'll make sure you understand your options and provide a free, fixed-fee quote for our best-value survey to meet your needs.
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