If you’re planning to sell your house in the UK, one question that often comes up is whether you need a gas safety certificate. Here’s a clear, straightforward guide to help you understand where you stand legally, practically, and how it could affect your sale.
Do You Legally Need a Gas Safety Certificate to Sell a House?
In short – no, it’s not a legal requirement for homeowners to provide a gas safety certificate when selling a residential property. That said, it’s highly recommended.
While the law doesn’t force you to have one (unless you’re a landlord), buyers are becoming more cautious. Solicitors, estate agents, and surveyors often ask for a valid certificate during the sale process, especially if the property has a gas boiler, hob or fire.
Why It’s Worth Getting One Anyway
Even though it’s not compulsory, providing a gas safety certificate can help build trust with potential buyers. Think of it as showing you’ve taken good care of your home. It’s a small thing that can help avoid questions or delays later down the line.
Also, if the buyer gets a survey and issues are raised with your gas appliances, that could slow things down or lead to price negotiations. Having a clean certificate from a Gas Safe registered engineer could help the sale go through more smoothly.
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What Is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A gas safety certificate (also called a CP12 form) is a document issued by a qualified Gas Safe engineer after inspecting your gas appliances. It shows that your boiler, cooker, fire and any other gas fittings are safe and working properly.
The engineer will check:
- Gas leaks
- Appliance condition and pressure
- Ventilation
- Flue flow
- Carbon monoxide risks
The check usually takes around 30–60 minutes, depending on how many appliances you have.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary, but expect to pay somewhere between £85 and £120 for a standard gas safety check in most parts of the UK. If you have multiple appliances, the cost may be slightly higher.
Make sure the engineer is Gas Safe registered – you can check this easily on the Gas Safe Register website.
What If You Don’t Have One?
You can still sell your house without a certificate. However, the buyer might ask for one before exchange, or request their own inspection as part of the survey. If any faults are found, you may need to get them fixed before the sale continues.
In some cases, buyers could use the absence of a certificate as a reason to reduce their offer.
Selling a Buy-to-Let Property? Different Rules Apply
If you’re selling a rental property, you are required by law to provide an up-to-date gas safety certificate. Landlords must have all gas appliances checked annually, and records must be kept for at least two years.
If you’re selling a buy-to-let, make sure your certificate is current and covers all appliances before listing the property.
A Quick Recap
- You don’t legally need a gas safety certificate to sell your own home in the UK.
- It’s still a good idea to get one – it can reassure buyers and keep the sale on track.
- Only Gas Safe registered engineers can carry out the inspection and issue the certificate.
- Buy-to-let sales require a valid certificate by law.
Book a Gas Safety Check Today
If you’re selling your home and want peace of mind, it’s worth getting a certificate sorted early on. We can help you book a qualified Gas Safe engineer near you – just drop us a message or give us a ring.
FAQs
No, it’s not a legal requirement for homeowners. However, some buyers, surveyors, or solicitors might still request one as part of the sale process.
If you don’t provide one, it could raise concerns during the buyer’s checks or surveys. While it won’t stop the sale legally, it may lead to delays or price negotiations.
Yes, a buyer can request it as part of their due diligence. It’s not legally required, but refusing might cause hesitation or delay the transaction.
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out the inspection and issue a valid certificate. Always ask to see their ID and check their registration number online.
Prices usually range from £85 to £120, depending on your location and number of gas appliances. It’s a one-off cost and may be worth it for peace of mind when selling.
Gas safety certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If you’re planning to sell soon, it’s best to time the check accordingly.
The rules are the same across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow – it’s not a legal requirement, but often advised.
No. Most standard homebuyer surveys do not include a full gas safety inspection. This is why some buyers request a separate certificate or hire their own Gas Safe engineer.
Typical checks include your boiler, gas hob or cooker, gas fires, and any other gas-powered appliances. The engineer also looks at flues, pipework and ventilation.
Yes, most towns and cities across the UK have local Gas Safe engineers. Whether you’re in London, Leeds, Brighton, Bristol, or Sheffield, you can easily arrange a local check
Further Reading
What is the validity of a commercial gas certificate for businesses?
Is a gas certificate compulsory for a commercial property?
Everything you need to know about getting an LPG certificate in London
Boiler Service Near Me: Essential guide to boiler maintenance
Does a commercial property need a gas safety certificate?
What you need to know about catering commercial gas certificate that covers catering
Where can I get my LPG gas conversion certificate?
How much does an LPG certificate cost?
Commercial gas safety certificate
What you need to know about commercial gas safety certificate cost?
What certificate does a commercial landlord require for gas?
Commercial catering gas safety certificate law: What you need to know
How to Get the LPG Engineer – One That Issues LPG Gas Safety Certificates
Who is responsible for gas certificates in commercial properties?
