Many people overlook the logistical side of things when it comes to selling a property in Scotland.
Buyers have started to become more and more cautious when it comes to purchasing a house, solicitors are meticulous when it comes to the finer details, and paperwork plays an instrumental role in making sure a sale is smooth from beginning to end. A document that is a common source of confusion is the boiler installation certificate.
Often, homeowners fall into the trap of realising that this certificate is missing once the wheels of the sale are firmly in motion. Some assume that it is just the same as a gas safety check.
It’s key to understand what the certificate is and why it matters. Ready to learn what a boiler installation certificate is and its importance to property sales in Scotland? Continue reading…
What is a Boiler Installation Certificate?
A boiler installation is an official document issued when a new gas boiler is installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer and confirms that the installation complies with building regulations and gas safety standards in the UK at the time the work is completed.
The certificate is not:
- A Gas Safety Certificate, which is related to ongoing safety checks
- A boiler service, which shows maintenance history but not installation compliance
As a result, homeowners are often surprised to learn that annual servicing isn’t a substitute for an installation certificate when selling properties in Scotland.
Can I Sell My House in Scotland Without a Boiler Installation Certificate
While a lack of a boiler installation certificate doesn’t categorically equal the inability to sell a property in Scotland, it can pose a variety of complications.
The prospective purchaser’s solicitor will review the property documentation and raise enquiries. For example, if the boiler was installed after building regulations required certification and no certificate can be produced, questions are likely to arise about regulatory compliance and installer credentials.
Some of the inconveniences include:
- Requests for further evidence like installer details and service records
- Delays during the time spent sourcing replacement documentation
- Renegotiation of the sale price that takes the perceived risk into account
- Buyers asking for indemnity insurance
- Buyers withdrawing their interest if concerns are not resolved
How to Get a Boiler Installation Certificate
Misplaced your boiler installation certificate? Fortunately, the situation is often easier to resolve than you may expect.
If the boiler was installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, the installation is likely to have been logged with Gas Safe Register. In many cases, a duplicate certificate can be obtained for a small administrative fee, a quick solution that doesn’t break the bank.
In the event that the installer is no longer trading, or the installation was not properly notified at the time, here are some other options:
- Contacting Gas Safe Register to check whether or not your installation was documented
- Providing boiler service records to display ongoing maintenance
- Having a qualified engineer look over your boiler and confirm that it is safe
- Taking out an indemnity insurance policy if this is agreed with the buyer
Contact McRoberts for Support
While a boiler installation certificate isn’t mandatory for Scottish property sales, having one will help the whole process run much more smoothly.
At McRoberts, we always aim to make all of these common queries clear to you at the point of your boiler installation or service. If you are ever in any doubt or simply want a quick answer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
We hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of the importance of boiler insulation certificates. Please contact us if you require further support.