The short answer is no — there’s no legal requirement to have an EICR when selling a residential property. That obligation sits with landlords, not sellers. But whether it’s worth getting one anyway is a different question.
Why buyers increasingly ask for one
Buyers are more aware of electrical safety than they used to be, particularly buyers who’ve done their research or are purchasing older properties. If there’s no recent EICR in the paperwork, it’s becoming more common for buyers or their solicitors to ask for one. You’re not obliged to provide it, but refusing can raise questions — and in a competitive market, anything that slows a sale down is worth avoiding.
What to do if there are issues
If you get an EICR done and it comes back with C1 or C2 codes (dangerous faults), you’re not legally required to fix them before selling — but you do need to disclose them. A buyer can then decide whether to proceed, negotiate on price, or ask you to rectify the issues first. Being upfront is a better position than having something surface during the buyer’s own checks.
The cost in context
An EICR for a standard home costs £175–£250. Set against estate agent fees and legal costs, it’s a relatively small outlay that can prevent a last-minute delay or renegotiation. If it comes back clean, it’s a positive thing to show a buyer. If it flags something, at least you know before they do.
If you’re preparing a property for sale and want an EICR arranged, get in touch and we’ll book it in.
