Second-hand buying tips

Pick a kitchen that’s larger than yours. You’ll have a greater range of cabinets to choose from to make your design work. Plus, your leftovers can even go back on Gumtree.

You’re unlikely to find a kitchen to match your space exactly. No worries, flat‑pack cabinets are a budget way to fill the void.

Always inspect before buying to check quality and condition. Pay particular attention to the sink cabinet, as it may have water damage. Open all the doors and drawers to check they work properly.

The buyer – you – will usually have to disassemble, remove and transport the old kitchen. If you don’t have any willing helpers, try an outsourcing website like airtasker.com.