An Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly called an EICR, is a formal assessment of the condition and safety of a property's fixed electrical installation. It is issued by a qualified electrician and rates the installation as satisfactory, requiring improvement, or requiring further investigation. Understanding when it is and is not required helps sellers prepare appropriately.

Legal Requirements for Owner-Occupiers Selling

There is no legal requirement for an owner-occupier to commission or provide an EICR as a condition of selling their home. This is different from the position for landlords of privately rented properties, who have been legally required to have a valid EICR every five years since April 2021 and to provide a copy to tenants. The legal obligation is specific to the landlord-tenant relationship and does not extend to the owner-occupier sale market.

When Buyers or Their Solicitors Request One

While not a legal requirement, buyers or their solicitors increasingly raise electrical safety as a concern during the sale process, particularly for older properties where the wiring may be dated. The Property Information Form, which sellers complete as part of the conveyancing process, includes questions about the electrical installation and any electrical work carried out. Where the answers indicate older wiring or work without certificates, a buyer may ask for an EICR before proceeding.

Some mortgage lenders may require evidence that the electrical installation is in satisfactory condition for older properties, particularly if a valuer or surveyor flags concerns about the wiring age or condition. In these cases an EICR may be needed to satisfy the lender's requirements.

The Practical Case for Having One

Obtaining an EICR before marketing a property that has older wiring, or where electrical work has been carried out without Part P Building Regulations certification, can pre-empt questions and negotiations during the sale process. If the EICR is satisfactory, it provides reassurance to buyers and removes a potential objection. If it reveals issues that need addressing, knowing about them before sale allows the seller to deal with them on their own terms rather than having to respond to a buyer's concerns at a time-sensitive stage of the transaction.

New Builds and Recently Rewired Properties

New builds and properties that have had a full rewire in recent years will have an Electrical Installation Certificate from the time the work was carried out, which serves a similar purpose to an EICR for a new installation. This certificate confirms the installation was tested and found satisfactory at the time of completion. These certificates should be retained with the property documents and provided to buyers on request.

Summary

An EICR is not a legal requirement for selling a residential property in England. Landlords of privately rented properties are required to have one, but owner-occupiers are not. Buyers and their solicitors may request one, particularly for older properties with dated wiring. Obtaining one proactively before marketing can prevent complications during the sale. New builds and recently rewired properties will have Electrical Installation Certificates from the work, which serve a similar evidential purpose.