How to sell a house with no central heating

Selling a house without central heating can be challenging, but not impossible! Fortunately, there are no legal requirements that stipulate heating is required to sell a house.

Although an inconvenience, not having central heating can allow buyers to focus on other aspects of your home. You could highlight the unique selling points of your property, including hardwood floors, high ceilings and fireplaces.

There are also several things you can do to make the selling process easier, from providing alternative heating options to being open to negotiation.

Tips for selling a home without central heating

1. Consult with an experienced estate agent: They can give you insight on how to present the property in the best possible way and provide you with a marketing strategy for your area.
2. Price the property accordingly: Without central heating, the value of the property could be lower, so be sure to price it accordingly.
3. Disclose: Before you talk about the property, it’s imperative that you disclose the lack of central heating. It's important to be as transparent as possible with all prospective buyers.
4. Highlight other selling points: Make sure to highlight other selling points of the property such as location, size and condition.
5. Provide alternative heating options: Consider providing alternative heating options such as portable storage heaters, electric storage heaters, or fireplaces to help prospective buyers envision themselves living in the space.
6. Be open to negotiation: Be open to negotiate on price and be prepared to address any concerns potential buyers may have about the lack of central heating.

Estate agents handle pricing your property, negotiations, and present you with a leading strategy to best market your property. It’s important to find a local agent who has sold similar properties in your area, with coherent timing and knowledge of the local market.

To find a great agent that fits you, have a look at our free online GetAgent Comparison Tool!

Is it illegal to sell a home without central heating?

No, it isn’t illegal to sell a home without central heating in the UK, but your property must meet standards of habitability and safety.

Housing Health and Safety Rating System

To increase the chances of selling your property, it’s key to ensure you’re complying with any local laws and regulations.

Such laws include the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This is a risk assessment tool designed to protect the health and safety of occupants in residential properties.

It’s worth noting that if a property is found to be in violation of the HHSRS regulations, the local council can take enforcement action. This includes fines, penalties, or even a prohibition order - which can restrict the number of people living in the residence.

Because the lack of heating, hot water and a working boiler in a home can cause serious health hazards such as hypothermia, authorities may take action to protect the tenants well-being.

However, if your home isn't being used by anyone, and you’re simply selling it, declare the lack of heating to any prospective buyers and you should be fine.

Why might someone have no central heating in their home?

There are several reasons as to why someone may not have central heating. Some of the most common reasons are:

1. Age of the residence: Some older properties have not been built with central heating systems, or some systems have become outdated over time.
2. Lack of funds: Installing central heating can be expensive, and some homeowners may not have the financial resources to upgrade their heating systems.
3. Not the primary residence: Owners might live in another property, their primary residence for example, and so won’t require heating for their secondary property - which may be rented out.
4. Broken boiler: A broken boiler is the cause of the lack of heating in a home, and owners may not have had the chance for boiler repairs, due to the boiler cost.

How to increase the chances of a successful sale

When you’re trying to sell a house, you want to make sure it looks as inviting as possible. While you may not have central heating, there are plenty of other great features for potential buyers to admire.

You’ll want to provide a warm environment from the get-go. Make sure everything is in great condition and working order before you list the home.

This includes getting rid of any clutter, and keeping your home clean and tidy!

Here are a few small changes you can make to sell your home

1. Lead viewings during the warmest hours of the day and make sure to leave the lights on.

By doing this, the prospective buyers will be able to view the home comfortably, and will likely be able to envision themselves in a property that is warmer and brighter.

1. Keep the windows clean to allow natural light in.

Letting natural light into your home will brighten your property up and create an inviting atmosphere.

1. Emphasise the ‘alternate’ comforts of your home.

Be sure to highlight any selling points such as fire places, warm carpet, and a modern bathroom and kitchen.

Is it worth getting central heating before selling a home?

Legally, although you don't need central heating to sell a home, it can be a huge asset and increase your house value. There are however a variety of factors to consider before installing heating including the running costs.

These include, the cost, the potential increase in the value of the property, and the timeline for selling it.

Pros and cons for installing heating

Pros:

• Having central heating can make the house more attractive to potential buyers, making it easier to sell.
• Central heating can increase the value of the home, which can result in a higher selling price.
• It can make the home more energy-efficient, which appeals to buyers who are looking for a home that is easy to heat with lower energy bills.

Cons:

• The cost of installing central heating can be quite high, especially if the home is large or has multiple levels.
• If you plan on selling soon, the cost of installation may not be reimbursed in the sale price.
• If the home is in a warm area, central heating may not be necessary or desirable for the buyers.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to outweigh both the costs and benefits of installing central heating before you make a final decision. To help you get a better understanding of whether central heating is best or not, it’s worth consulting with an experienced estate agent.

How much does central heating cost to install?

The cost of central heating in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of boiler you purchase, or the size and layout of the residence. For example, a conventional boiler can reduce the cost of installation as you won't need to install new pipework.

Legally, you don’t actually need to replace a faulty boiler.. However, as mentioned earlier, it can add value to the sale price. Remember to hire a gas safe registered engineer when installing a new boiler.

The estimated cost for having central heating installed varies from between £3000 to £7500.

Other factors to affect the price include:

1. The type of heating system

Whether you’re replacing an old heating system or installing a basic gas boiler, it will definitely cost less than installing a more advanced system such as underfloor heating.

1. The location of the residence

The cost of installing heating in a more densely populated area such as London will cost far more than in a less densely populated area.

1. The type of fuel

The price of installing a gas central heating system will be less than the price of installing an electric or oil heating system.

The average cost of installing different systems vary, for example:

• Oil fired boilers: An average of £6150
• Electric system: An average of £3790
• Gas system: An average of £5250

Electric heating can be more expensive than gas, especially when you run the heating system. An electric boiler system strictly relies on separate heating appliances in each room, therefore increasing your overall bill.

Gas based systems like an oil or gas system rely on boilers to burn fuel and run. Once you have your boiler installed, things should run smoothly and your rooms should be heated up via the radiators.

Repairing or replacing the heating system

If you end up replacing or repairing your heating system, providing surveyors with an up-to-date certificate of the service should help to reassure any concerned prospective buyers.

Keeping old boilers maintained is a good sign to potential buyers, as they will note that your white goods are in good condition - thus increasing your chances of a successful sale.

Important certificates you need to sell your home

Once you’ve completed the sale of your home, you’ll need to complete a Property Information Form (PIF). This will provide buyers with updated information regarding the state of your home, and if features such as boilers have been serviced and/or maintained.

Be mindful that if you don’t state the condition of your boiler on the PIF and something goes wrong when the buyer moves in, you could receive a compensation claim. It’s essential that your PIF is answered honestly to the best of the seller's knowledge.

You’ll also need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before you market your home. This is to show how environmentally friendly and energy-efficient your home is.

Why might someone buy a home with no heating?

As much as it might seem like an inconvenience, there are so many great things about a home, regardless of working heating. When talking to prospective buyers, highlight all of the wonderful features of your property - including the location and the size or even a wood burning stove.

Appeal to the buyers who might be interested in flipping the house or who want their own project. Point out desirable qualities, such as an attic, extension, or even a garage. These are things that add tremendous value to your home.

If your home is local to schools, shops, transport links and other amenities, this can be a major selling point, especially for those with families. A house with parking or allocated parking spots is also a great way to appeal to buyers.

Great features to showcase in your home

• Outdoor space: A garden, balcony or patio are great features - especially in urban areas where outdoor space can be limited.
• Storage space: Ample storage space is always desirable to buyers, whether it be built-in wardrobes or a shed.
• Good insulation: Although you might not have central heating, cavity wall insulation in the walls, floors, and attic can keep a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Making it more energy- efficient and attractive to buyers.
• Double glazed windows: These are also energy-efficient and can help reduce noise, and prevent heat from escaping.
• Good condition: A house in good condition with no major repairs or renovations required is more likely to appeal to buyers.

Summary: Heating is important, but not necessary when selling a home

Heating is a great addition to your home, however you can still sell your house without it. It’s essential to showcase your properties best features and appeal to the buyers by bringing up desirable aspects of your home.

When you’re ready to eventually sell your home, have all of the required certifications ready, and consult with an estate agent and conveyancer. The agent will be an important tool in the success of your sale.

It’s key to hire an experienced agent, who has a history of selling similar properties to yours, as well as a quick and high success rate. Check out the free GetAgent Comparison Tool to discover the top-performing agents in your local area.

Remember, selling your home is all about the way you present it, so don’t be too worried that you don’t have heating. You can still have a very successful sale!