Transferring appliance warranties when you buy or sell a house
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When you buy a house with appliances included, it's natural to assume you're getting the warranties too. In most cases, that's not quite right — and understanding what does and doesn't transfer is worth knowing before you complete.
The general rule: manufacturer warranties usually don't transfer
A manufacturer's warranty is a promise between the manufacturer and the person who bought the product. When that appliance is sold with a house, the manufacturer's obligation is generally still to the original purchaser, not to the new owner.
In practice, this means:
- The warranty may show several years remaining on paper, but the new homeowner may not be entitled to claim under it.
- The new owner would need to register the transfer with the manufacturer (where that's possible) for the warranty to be enforceable.
This isn't universal — some warranties explicitly include transfer provisions. But the safe assumption is that a warranty doesn't transfer unless the document says it does.
What to check for each appliance
| Appliance | Likely to transfer? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler (standard manufacturer warranty) | Varies significantly by brand | Check the warranty document or manufacturer's website |
| Boiler (long 'premium' warranty) | Often requires active transfer | Contact the manufacturer before or shortly after completion |
| White goods (washing machine, fridge, etc.) | Rarely | Check the warranty document |
| New-build developer warranty | Yes — designed to transfer | Confirm with your solicitor |
| Structural guarantee (NHBC Buildmark etc.) | Yes — typically 10 years, transfers with the property | Ask for the certificate; verify remaining term |
| Damp-proofing / roofing guarantee | Often yes — intended for property owners | Check the document; some require notification of transfer |
The Consumer Rights Act position
Consumer Rights Act 2015 rights are a legal claim against the retailer who sold the goods to the original purchaser. They cannot be transferred to a subsequent owner of the property — they're personal to the person who made the purchase contract.
This means even if you buy a house with a two-year-old washing machine that develops a fault, you can't go back to the retailer under the Consumer Rights Act. The original buyer might have been able to, but the claim belonged to them.
What does transfer: building and structural guarantees
The clearest category of transferable warranties is building work guarantees:
- NHBC Buildmark (and similar new-build warranties): ten-year structural warranty that passes to each successive owner of the property.
- Damp-proofing guarantees: typically 20–30 years, usually transferable to new owners, often requiring notification to the provider.
- Roofing guarantees: often transferable, terms vary.
- Double glazing / FENSA guarantees: some transfer, some don't — check the paperwork.
These are worth checking carefully before completion. A 25-year damp-proofing guarantee with 18 years remaining has genuine value.
For sellers: what to provide
When you're selling, transparency about warranties and service history works in your favour. Buyers (and their solicitors) will ask. Having the documents ready signals that the property has been well looked after:
- All appliance manuals and warranty documents.
- Full boiler service history — ideally one certificate per year.
- FENSA certificates for replacement glazing.
- Building Regulations completion certificates for any notifiable work.
- Any specialist guarantees (damp-proofing, roofing, new windows).
A buyer who can see a boiler with ten years of annual service records is a more confident buyer than one who's handed a boiler with no history.
For buyers: the service records often matter more
Even when a warranty has technically lapsed or isn't transferable, a complete set of service records has real practical value. A boiler that's been serviced every year by a Gas Safe engineer — with the certificates to prove it — is a known quantity. One with no records could have underlying issues.
When assessing a property, ask specifically:
- When was the boiler last serviced? Can I see the certificate?
- Is there a boiler service history for the past few years?
- Are there any appliance issues the seller is aware of?
For more on what to check when moving in, see our moving into a new home checklist. For the full picture on how warranties work generally, see the UK homeowner's guide to appliance warranties.
Keep every record so it's worth something — to you, and to a future buyer. Tag your first appliance free →
Frequently asked questions
Does a boiler warranty transfer to a new owner?
It depends entirely on the manufacturer's terms. Some boiler warranties transfer automatically; others require you to register the transfer (sometimes for a fee); others don't transfer at all. Check the warranty document or the manufacturer's website for the specific model.
What about new-build appliance warranties?
New-build developers often include a 2-year developer warranty covering defects, and longer structural warranties (such as NHBC Buildmark) that typically cover ten years and do transfer to subsequent owners. Appliances included in a new build are usually covered by the developer's warranty for the initial period.
Can I sell an extended warranty with the house?
Extended warranties are typically non-transferable and tied to the original purchaser's details. Some providers may allow a transfer for a fee — contact the warranty provider directly before completion.
What should sellers provide to buyers regarding warranties?
Provide all warranty documents, manuals, proof of purchase where available, and full service records. Even if the manufacturer warranty has lapsed, service records demonstrate that the appliance has been properly maintained, which has real value.