Searches back, need a new boiler?

[Donut93]

Currently in the process of buying a house, just had the searches back and it looks like it need a new boiler and also the oil tank will need moving and a surround built around it as it's currently too close to the fence and not enough fire safety precautions around it.
This is the first house we're buying, do we go through with the sale and pay for this all ourselves when we move in? Or do we ask for the sellers to sort it out/pay for some?
Not sure!
Thankyou

From the searches?
Do you mean survey? The oil tanks sounds odd- why would it need a surround?
What is wrong with the boiler? Mine is 27 years old and going strong.

I think you mean survey.

This isn't the sort of thing that is highlighted in the searches.

Essentially, it depends.

Regulations for this sort of thing change all the time, and it sounds like the surveyor is highlighting that the tank won't meet current regulations, but regulations can't be enforced retrospectively.

Are you paying a house that you thought was in perfect condition, with everything completely up to date? In which case I'd be looking to explore a reduction with the vendor.

Or, are you buying an older property that very clearly hadn't been updated recently, in which case it probably isn't a huge surprise that there are things that need to be updated.

Can you tell us what it says in the report. Often it's not a good idea to ask a seller to remedy something because they will probably do it cheaply.

Is the central heating working?

Surveyors are incredibly cautious souls, and their role is to find and identify to you all possible problems with the property.

Step 1 - Assess the actual risk. Don't just take the survey report at face value. Is it flagged as red - requires immediate attention? Did it comply with the regulations in place at the time it was installed? Is it legal? Is it just the surveyor covering their backs.?

Have an actual phone call with the surveyor about anything in the report that is concerning you. They are obliged to put all sorts in there, but when you talk to them you'll find quite a lot of it is about ensuring they are covered in case you try and sue later.

If it genuinely needs fixing urgently, negotiate money off the asking price to cover it. Don't let the vendor do the work as it may not meet your standard and if you are prepared to negotiate a discount (which can result in you having to redo your mortgage application, create ill feeling etc.) you presumably are worried enough about the issue to want it to be done to a high standard.