Selling or buying a property with an automated gate? Here is what you need to know

Automated gates can provide any property with extensive advantages. For example, they offer protection from intruders, greater convenience when entering and exiting, a heightened sense of safety, and a great deal of aesthetic appeal.

But when it comes to selling or buying a property with automated gates, there are several factors you will need to consider. Along with ensuring their smooth operation, both buyers and sellers must recognise the legal and moral duty associated with automated gates.

The importance of safety

Any property benefiting from automated gates will no doubt impress prospective buyers and increase the potential price for sellers. However, it is imperative that all parties keep their feet on the ground and recognise the importance of safety before anything else.

Even though automated gates are often installed to protect and safeguard the property’s occupants, they can sometimes do more harm than good. If the gates weren’t installed correctly or have been neglected with little to no maintenance, they could quite easily cause serious or fatal injuries.

In fact, as many as 90 per cent of automated gates in the UK are dangerous. This means there is a strong possibility that most homes featuring automatic gates pose an immediate and serious threat.

What you should be aware of with automated gates

Automated gates should be considered heavy machinery, which requires expert installation and maintenance. This is the only way to ensure that their continued operation will be safe and not put lives at risk.

In terms of buying or selling a home with automated gates, check to see whether there are any obvious signs of wear and tear or damage. This should be an indicator of correct installation and regular maintenance.

You can also call upon the services of a Gate Safe Aware installer, such as Innovate Security, to check over automated gates to guarantee they are safe to use. Any seller that doesn’t have this done could be in breach of The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. On the other hand, buyers might be responsible for operating unsafe gates by not seeking documentation to prove their correct installation and maintenance.

Innovate Security recognises that automated gates can be extremely dangerous. This is why we comply with the relevant industry regulations such as EN12453 and EN12445. We also train our staff in accordance with the highest qualifications and certifications available in the industry.