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Property/DIY

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Buyers want a heating check

7 replies

FabTab · 02/06/2018 17:55

I’m an executor and selling a house. House built in 1950s and boiler might be original. Even if it isn’t it’s definitely more than 40 years old as that’s how long my aunt lived there and she never changed it.
Boiler is in awkward place and has been built around so if it had to be replaced other than as part of a big refit would be a pita.
When we put house on market buyers were told the property needed a lot doing and this included a new boiler.
Buyers have had a survey but now want a heating test and electrical tests.
We’re worried if either came back with a very bad result we’d need to carry out works or the insurance would be invalid.
House hasn’t been lived in since DA died but when we go round heating seems to work.
We’re also worried that the reason for the tests is to try and reduce the price. We wouldn’t agree to this as the buyers already knew there was a lot of work to do.
Any advice please?

OP posts:
specialsubject · 02/06/2018 18:10

they can arrange and pay for whatever checks they want. they can offer whatever price they want. you dont have to accept.

as long as the boiler is not leaking gas or water, or the electrics a fire hazard,
insurance is fine. just do whatever the insurers want for an empty house.

GrannyGarden · 02/06/2018 18:12

When we sold our parents house the Agents told buyers, ‘sold as seen’ . I am not quite sure if that is the correct terminology . The electrics and gas supplies were all in poor condition but it sold quickly. Just get the Agent to no.

InfiniteSheldon · 02/06/2018 18:12

Say no point out the boiler is forty years old same for electrics both need fully replacing and house is priced accordingly.

wowfudge · 02/06/2018 18:16

It's probably recommended in the survey. If they are FTBs they are more likely to think they must have the recommended tests and surveys carried out. You might want to reiterate what has already been stated about the house to them via the EA. Do you live close by? Could you arrange to meet them and show them the heating works? That might be simpler all round. The house probably needs rewiring so an electrical test is unlikely to achieve anything.

Japanesejazz · 02/06/2018 18:25

There is no legal obligation for you to have the heating or electrics tested and as you are selling as executor the house is being sold with limited title guarantee.

MisstoMrs · 02/06/2018 18:31

We had this selling our house. We said they could have whatever tests they wanted but we would not be reducing the price. They had the checks, asked some questions designed to reduce the price, we said no, they bought it anyway. PP is right, it’s probably in the survey or they could be looking for a way to reduce the price. Either way you don’t have to sell to them.

FabTab · 02/06/2018 21:28

Thanks for the advice - will let them do the tests but will remind them the price isn’t going down

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