Technical installations when selling property: what is checked and how they affect the offer
Published 21 October 2026
When we purchase a property, we assess the condition of electrics, gas, water and sewerage pipes, heating and any air conditioning. A poor condition or missing documentation reduces the offer price, as the buyer must budget for repairs. However, we can purchase properties with older installations—the offer price simply reflects their condition.
Summary
- We check electrics, gas, water and sewerage, heating and air conditioning—both condition and available documentation.
- Price reductions mainly reflect the need for reconstruction, faults and missing inspections, not simply the age of installations.
- You receive a written offer within 24 hours with a detailed breakdown—it is non-binding.
- Before inspection, prepare inspection certificates, documentation and a description of known faults.
- Don't hide defects—an honest description prevents disputes when signing the contract.
Why Technical Installations Matter When Selling a Property
Technical installations are among the most expensive parts of any renovation. Replacing pipes typically involves removing plaster and opening floors, making the work extensive. A property buyer must therefore account for these costs from the outset in the purchase offer.
This does not mean old installations exclude a property from purchase. A property can be purchased in any condition—the price simply reflects the necessary work. For more details on our process, see How Property Purchase Works.
Under Czech Civil Code No. 89/2012, the seller bears responsibility for any defects. It is therefore in both parties' interest that the actual condition is described truthfully and reflected in the contract.
Electrical Installations: What We Check
Electrical systems are the most critical from a safety perspective. During inspection, we specifically assess:
- Wiring type and age – whether copper or older aluminium, and the condition of insulation.
- Consumer unit and circuit breakers – whether breakers, residual current devices and circuit labels are in order.
- Number of sockets and circuits – whether they match current requirements.
- Inspection certificate – whether one exists and how recent it is.
- Visible faults – makeshift connections, burnt sockets, loose cables.
Price reductions mainly reflect the need for complete rewiring and consumer unit replacement. Minor faults, such as replacing a few sockets, have little impact on the offer.
Gas, Water and Sewerage
Gas Appliances
For gas, we verify whether the connection is functional, the condition of the boiler or appliances, and whether valid service records and inspections exist. A disconnected or non-functional gas supply typically requires us to factor in costs for reconnection or switching to an alternative energy source.
Water Pipes
We verify the piping material (galvanised, plastic or copper), water pressure, any leaks and signs of moisture. Older galvanised pipes often signal the need for eventual replacement.
Sewerage and Waste
We check whether the property is connected to mains sewerage or uses a pit or septic tank, and their condition. For properties outside towns, wastewater disposal is often a major consideration. Relevant documentation is advisable.
Heating, Hot Water and Air Conditioning
The heating system is crucial for a buyer. We assess the heat source (boiler, heat pump, stove or district heating), its age and functionality, the condition of radiators or underfloor heating, and the hot water supply.
- A functional, well-maintained system does not reduce the price and may even reduce reconstruction deductions.
- An outdated boiler or non-functional pipework means we anticipate replacement costs and deduct accordingly.
- Air conditioning is assessed as an optional extra: we check functionality, age and whether it is a permanent fixture or you plan to remove it. Agree this in writing beforehand.
It is wise to clarify in writing whether equipment remains with the property or not, to avoid disputes at handover.
How Installation Condition Affects the Offer
The offer price is based on the property's value in good condition, from which we deduct estimated costs for necessary repairs and any risk associated with uncertainty. Basic valuation principles are explained in our Property Valuation Guide.
| Finding | Impact on Offer |
|---|---|
| Functional installations with documentation | No significant deduction |
| Functional but older, no inspection record | Minor deduction for uncertainty and inspection |
| Outdated or faulty installations | Deduction reflecting replacement costs |
| Non-functional or disconnected systems | Larger deduction, possibly reconnection costs |
You receive a written offer within 24 hours with an itemised breakdown, so you can see how each factor affected the price. The offer is non-binding and you can withdraw before signing. Our free online property valuation provides a quick initial estimate.
For apartment buildings (činžovní dům—a Czech residential building with multiple units), we use income-based valuation and provide the offer within 48 hours; the technical condition of shared installations is particularly important.
How to Prepare for the Inspection
- Prepare documentation – inspection certificates for electrics, gas and chimney, boiler service records, design documentation and any permits.
- Verify the legality of alterations – newer buildings and renovations are governed by the Building Act No. 283/2021; older work by previous regulations. Missing permissions are best disclosed openly.
- List known defects – leaking pipes, faulty circuit breakers, noisy boiler.
- Provide access to the consumer unit, boiler room and shut-off valves – so they can be inspected.
- Don't rush into cheap repairs – a poorly done fix may conceal the problem and erode confidence.
- Clarify what stays with the property – for example, air conditioning or water heater.
The legal aspects of the transaction, including escrow services, are handled by our comprehensive legal service, which is included at no extra charge. Ownership passes only when registered in the Czech Land Registry (katastr nemovitostí) under the Land Registry Act No. 256/2013.