Refilling central heating

[StephanieErin]

We’re currently trying to purchase a Victorian semi. The vendor has drained the central heating system so it can’t be tested. They’re refusing to refill it but say we can refill ourselves to test it. My concern is that if anything goes wrong refilling or if there’s a leak we could be held liable even if there’s a known fault by the seller.

has anyone experienced this and am I being unreasonable wanting the seller to refill it themselves so it’s capable of being tested? It’s been rented out since the 90s but they haven’t provided any gas safety certificates or any service history so I’m a bit nervous…

Are they willing to give a written guarantee that the central heating system works?

No service history and conveniently untestable - I would assume the system is broke until there is evidence to show otherwise.

I'd be suspicious that there's a known issue they're concealing. Plus, if the heating has been drained down for the winter how has the house been protected against damp? - what else have they been neglecting or are they concealing.

I'd let the vendor know you'll be getting three quotes for replacing the boiler and heating system and you're reducing the offer price by the average of the three plus 25%. If they object, walkaway - unless it's otherwise your dream house and you've already had an insanely good value offer accepted.

glad it’s not just me that’s suspicious! Will push back via the solicitor, I don’t mind running tests myself but this feels ridiculous - they’re claiming now they didn’t even know the system was drained until I told them but presumably they must have been the ones to tell the estate agents…