Do You Need to Get a Boiler Service Before Selling a House?

When you’re preparing to sell your home, the boiler is one of the first things a switched‑on buyer will ask about. At Boilers2Go, we often get asked: “Do I need to get my boiler serviced before I sell?”

The short answer is no, it’s not a legal requirement, but in many cases it’s a very smart move that can help your sale go through more quickly and with fewer price chips.

What the Law Actually Says

There is no specific legal obligation for an owner‑occupier to service the boiler before selling a property. You can legally sell a house with a boiler that hasn’t been serviced recently, as long as you don’t mislead buyers about its condition.

However, during the conveyancing process you’ll complete a property information form (TA6), which includes questions about the boiler’s age, service history, and any known faults. If you haven’t had it checked for a long time, that’s likely to raise eyebrows with buyers and their solicitors.

Why a Boiler Service Before Selling Is Often Worth It

Even though it isn’t compulsory, a recent boiler service can be a powerful selling tool.

1. Buyer confidence and peace of mind

A stamped service record or report from a Gas Safe engineer shows the boiler has been checked, cleaned, and tested recently. That reassures buyers they’re not walking into an immediate big bill.

2. Fewer last‑minute negotiations

If the boiler looks old and there’s no evidence it has been maintained, buyers may:

• Ask you to service it before exchange.

• Demand a price reduction to cover the “risk”.

• Delay things while they arrange their own inspection.

A simple service upfront can remove one of the main sticking points.

3. Spotting issues before the survey does

A service can pick up minor faults before they’re highlighted in a buyer’s report, giving you the choice to fix them or at least explain them clearly, rather than being on the back foot during negotiations.

4. Supporting the energy‑efficiency story

A well‑maintained boiler usually runs more efficiently, which ties in nicely with your EPC rating and appeals to energy‑conscious buyers.

What About Landlords Selling a Tenanted Property?

If you’re selling a buy‑to‑let and there are still tenants in place, you must have an up‑to‑date annual gas safety check and certificate (CP12) covering the boiler and other gas appliances. That’s a legal requirement for landlords, regardless of a sale.​

A boiler service is separate from the gas safety check, but many responsible landlords have both done together each year to keep paperwork clean and the appliance in good condition.​

Boiler Certificates Buyers May Ask About

When selling, buyers or their solicitors might ask for:

• Boiler installation certificate / Building Regulations compliance certificate – proves the boiler was installed and notified correctly when it was fitted.​

• Service history – invoices or service reports showing regular annual checks.

• Gas safety certificate (for rentals) – if you’re a landlord.​

You can sell without all of these, but missing paperwork often leads to extra questions, delays, or indemnity policies.

When You Should Definitely Consider a Service Before Selling

From a Boilers2Go perspective, it’s especially wise to get a service done if:

• The boiler hasn’t been serviced for several years.

• The boiler is older and looks tired, even if it still works.

• You’re aiming for a quick, hassle‑free sale and want to reduce reasons for a buyer to haggle.​

• You know the boiler has had minor issues (noises, pressure drops, intermittent hot water), and you don’t want surprises later.

Given that a typical boiler service costs around £80–£120, it’s a relatively small investment compared with the value of a house sale and can easily pay for itself if it prevents a buyer knocking thousands off the asking price.

What Happens If You Don’t Service It?

If you choose not to service the boiler before selling:

• You must answer the service‑history questions on the property information form honestly.

• A cautious buyer may insist on their own boiler inspection or service before exchange, sometimes at your cost or as a condition of the sale.

• You could face stronger demands for a price reduction or boiler replacement allowance if the report isn’t favourable.

It doesn’t mean the sale will fall through, but it can add friction you could avoid.

Boilers2Go Expert View: Is It Worth It?

From a heating expert’s point of view, getting a boiler service before selling a house is not mandatory, but it’s usually a smart, low‑cost way to smooth the process and strengthen your position.

You show you’ve looked after the home, you reduce buyer anxiety, and you’re less likely to have the boiler become a bargaining chip at the worst possible moment.