Do You Need an Electrical Certificate to Sell a House?

Selling a house in the UK involves a number of legal checks, disclosures and forms. Among the most commonly asked questions is whether an electrical certificate is required to complete the sale. With growing emphasis on property safety and compliance, especially in older homes, many sellers are unsure about their legal obligations. The short answer is that you do not need an electrical certificate to sell a house, but having one can help speed up the process, provide reassurance to buyers and avoid last-minute issues.

This article explains the types of electrical certificates involved, when they are required, and why it might still be beneficial to have one in place before selling.

Is an electrical certificate a legal requirement when selling a house?

There is no legal obligation for homeowners in England or Wales to provide an electrical certificate when selling a residential property. However, sellers are required to answer truthfully on the Property Information Form (TA6), which is completed as part of the conveyancing process. This form asks if any electrical work has been carried out at the property and whether the necessary certification or Building Regulations approval was obtained.

If no work has been carried out, no certificate is needed. If work has been done, sellers may need to provide supporting documentation depending on the nature of the installation and whether it was notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations.

When an electrical certificate is needed

If you have had notifiable electrical work carried out since 2005, such as a new consumer unit (fuse box), a complete or partial rewire, or electrical work in kitchens, bathrooms or outdoors, you should have received a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. This confirms that the work was carried out in accordance with legal standards by a registered electrician or was signed off by Building Control.

You may also have received an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, which provides a record of what work was done and confirms that it was tested and deemed safe at the time of completion. If these certificates exist, they should be made available to the buyer and their solicitor.

What happens if you do not have the certificates?

If notifiable work has been done and certificates are missing, the buyer’s solicitor may raise concerns or request indemnity insurance to cover the risk. This is a one-off policy that protects the buyer against potential enforcement by Building Control if the installation does not meet the required standards. It typically costs between £50 and £200 and is usually paid for by the seller.

If no recent electrical work has been carried out, there is no need for any certificate, and lack of documentation is unlikely to delay the sale. However, buyers may still be cautious, particularly if the electrics appear outdated or the property is over 25 years old.

Is an EICR required when selling a house?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection that checks the safety and compliance of the entire electrical system. It is not a legal requirement when selling a home, but some buyers or mortgage lenders may request one as part of their due diligence. This is especially likely in older properties or where there is visible wear and tear.

Sellers are under no obligation to provide an EICR, but commissioning one before listing the property can be a useful way to reassure buyers and identify any problems in advance. A satisfactory EICR is valid for five years and may help avoid renegotiations or delays during conveyancing.

Benefits of having electrical certificates when selling

Even though not legally required, providing electrical certificates can offer clear benefits. They demonstrate that the property has been well maintained, which may help justify the asking price or speed up the sale. They can also reduce buyer concerns, avoid demands for inspections or price reductions, and smooth over potential legal issues during conveyancing.

For sellers of more modern homes or recent renovations, having a complete set of certificates reflects positively and supports a smoother transfer of ownership.

Conclusion

You do not need an electrical certificate to sell a house in the UK unless you have carried out notifiable electrical work that falls under Building Regulations. In such cases, proof of compliance is expected, and a lack of documentation may lead to requests for indemnity insurance or further investigation. While an EICR is not required, having one can help reassure buyers and prevent issues during the sale. Sellers are encouraged to keep any certificates they hold safe and accessible, as this can make the process more efficient and reduce uncertainty during conveyancing.