Boilers are rarely the first thing on the mind of a first-time home buyer. They tend to be tucked away in airing cupboards or kitchen corners and are not as sexy as the cooker or the walk-in shower.

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Let’s be honest – some people only know that water comes from the tap and heat from the radiator. Anything beyond this is a complete mystery.

Failing to check the condition of a boiler before buying a property can be an expensive mistake. The charm of a new home fades rapidly when you are shivering around a fan heater or taking a bath in an inch of water. New boilers range from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand, but labour costs and making good the décor can double this.

Surveys

Although the boiler is usually an item on a surveyor’s report, many home buyers learn the hard way