Do You Need an EICR to Sell a House?

When preparing to sell a property in the UK, most homeowners focus on the obvious tasks such as finding an estate agent, arranging valuations and organising conveyancing. However, questions often arise about whether an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is needed when putting a home on the market. While an EICR is not legally required to sell a residential property, it can still play a valuable role in reassuring buyers, speeding up the conveyancing process and avoiding complications later on. This article explains what an EICR is, when it is needed, and how it can affect a property sale.

What is an EICR?

An EICR is a professional report that assesses the condition of a property’s fixed electrical installation. This includes the wiring, fuse board, sockets, switches and any permanently connected electrical equipment. It is carried out by a qualified electrician and provides a clear verdict on whether the installation is safe, satisfactory or requires remedial work.

The report identifies defects, deterioration, non-compliance with current regulations and potential safety hazards. It classifies any issues found with specific codes to indicate whether immediate action is required or if improvements are recommended. The report is often used by landlords, property managers and increasingly, by homeowners preparing to sell.

Is an EICR legally required to sell a house?

There is currently no legal requirement in England or Wales for a homeowner to obtain an EICR when selling their property. The regulations that make EICRs mandatory apply only to rented properties, not to owner-occupied homes being sold. Landlords are required by law to have an EICR carried out every five years or at the start of a new tenancy. This does not extend to private residential sales.

However, while it is not compulsory, many solicitors, estate agents or buyers may request one as part of the sale process. If the electrics appear old, unsafe or poorly maintained, buyers may ask for an EICR before exchange of contracts or make the offer conditional on electrical safety being confirmed.

When might an EICR be recommended?

An EICR is strongly advised in the following circumstances:

If the property is over 25 years old and has never had a rewire

If there are visible signs of wear or outdated fittings such as an old fuse box

If the seller has undertaken electrical work without certification

If the buyer is cautious or requests electrical safety assurance as part of their due diligence

If the seller wants to present the property as well maintained and ready for occupation

In these cases, having a recent EICR to hand can help answer buyer concerns, avoid delays in conveyancing and reduce the risk of renegotiation after a survey.

Does a buyer’s survey include electrical checks?

A standard mortgage valuation or homebuyer report does not include a full electrical inspection. These surveys are visual only and will not assess whether the wiring is safe or compliant with current standards. Surveyors may note visible signs of wear or recommend that a qualified electrician carry out further checks, which can then lead the buyer to request an EICR before proceeding.

Buyers of older properties or those planning renovations are more likely to ask for an EICR, especially if the survey flags potential problems.

Benefits of getting an EICR before selling

Although not required, obtaining an EICR before marketing a property can provide peace of mind for both seller and buyer. A satisfactory report can:

Reassure buyers that the electrics are safe and reduce the likelihood of them pulling out

Support a higher asking price or at least help retain the offer made

Avoid delays during conveyancing due to extra checks or disputes over condition

Allow the seller to address any issues in advance, rather than being forced to renegotiate or discount the price later

Provide evidence of good maintenance and care, which reflects well on the property overall

What happens if an EICR reveals problems?

If the report identifies issues classified as C1 (immediate danger) or C2 (potentially dangerous), the installation is considered unsatisfactory and remedial work will be needed. C3 codes indicate improvements that are recommended but not legally required. The seller can then decide whether to carry out repairs before selling or disclose the issues to the buyer and adjust the price accordingly.

In some cases, buyers may accept the property as is and factor the repairs into their renovation plans. In others, they may request that the work is completed before exchange. Having the report in advance gives the seller greater control over how the situation is managed.

How much does an EICR cost and how long does it take?

The cost of an EICR for a typical three-bedroom house ranges from £150 to £300, depending on the location and complexity of the electrical system. The inspection usually takes between two and four hours, and a written report is typically provided within a few days.

Using a qualified and registered electrician is essential. The report must be carried out by someone who holds the appropriate certifications and is familiar with the current edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

Common misunderstandings

Some sellers believe that electrical certificates are always required for selling a property. This is not true unless the property has undergone notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. In those cases, a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate or Electrical Installation Certificate must be retained and passed on to the buyer.

An EICR is a snapshot of the installation’s condition and not a legal certificate of compliance. However, it is still widely accepted as evidence that the electrics have been tested and assessed by a competent person.

Conclusion

You do not legally need an EICR to sell a house in the UK. However, having one can be a sensible and proactive step, especially if the electrics are old, have not been checked for many years or if you want to offer reassurance to potential buyers. In a competitive property market, any extra assurance you can provide could help your home stand out, reduce buyer hesitancy and support a smoother sale process. While it involves a modest cost and some preparation, an up-to-date EICR is increasingly seen as a best practice document for sellers looking to complete a confident and well-informed transaction.