Short answer
It is not a legal requirement, but it is sensible. A homeowner gas safety check confirms the boiler, appliances, flues and pipework are safe, and a gas pipe tightness test checks for leaks. It can reveal faults or an old boiler before you commit. CombiCert checks start from £90 + VAT and a pipe check is £80 + VAT.
What to ask for
- Homeowner gas safety check: each appliance, flue and ventilation, from £90 + VAT. See gas safety checks.
- Gas pipe check: a tightness test of the installation, £80 + VAT. See gas pipe check.
- Boiler paperwork: ask the seller for the Benchmark checklist, service history and building regulations notification for the boiler.
If the boiler is near the end of its life, our boiler lifespan answer and new boiler page help you budget. New boilers start from £1,750 inc VAT, subject to a site inspection.
Related questions
Do I need a gas safety check when buying a house?
It is not a legal requirement, but it is sensible. A homeowner gas safety check confirms the boiler, appliances, flues and pipework are safe, and a gas pipe tightness test checks for leaks. It can reveal faults or an old boiler before you commit. CombiCert checks start from £90 + VAT and a pipe check is £80 + VAT.
What paperwork should a seller have for the boiler?
Ask for the Benchmark commissioning checklist, the service history, any warranty details and the building regulations compliance certificate issued when the boiler was installed. Missing paperwork does not mean the boiler is unsafe, but it is worth a check by a Gas Safe registered engineer before you complete.
Can the seller arrange the gas check before I buy?
Yes, with their agreement. The seller or agent needs to give the engineer access to the property and every gas appliance. We send the results to whoever booked the check. Many buyers prefer to book it themselves so the report comes straight to them, and the seller simply allows access.
What if the check finds a problem?
We record the fault, explain the risk in plain terms and make the appliance safe if it is dangerous, following the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure. You get a written record and a repair price, which you can use in discussions with the seller before you complete on the purchase.
Want an engineer to look at it?
Call or WhatsApp 07393 220694, Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 19:45. CombiCert Ltd is Gas Safe registered (621146) and based in Telford, Shropshire.