Are you planning to sell your home and wondering whether an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is required? You’re not alone. Many homeowners are unsure about the legal requirements when it comes to electrical safety during the selling process. While UK landlords must have an up-to-date EICR by law, the rules are different for homeowners.
In short, you are not legally required to have an EICR when selling a domestic property, but it can certainly help in making the sale smoother and more appealing to potential buyers. Let’s dive into the details and why getting an EICR before selling is a good idea.
What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an assessment of the safety and condition of your property’s electrical system. It involves a series of tests conducted by a qualified electrician, checking components like wiring, sockets, switches, and the consumer unit (fuse box) to ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely.
The electrician will identify any issues, which are then categorized into different codes:
- Code 1: Urgent safety concerns that require immediate attention.
- Code 2: Less urgent issues that should be addressed soon but do not pose an immediate risk.
- Code 3: These are recommendations for improvements, not safety hazards.
Once the inspection is complete, the electrician will provide a report with all findings. You can use this report for your own reference or share it with potential buyers during the sale.
Do You Need an EICR by Law to Sell Your House?
While landlords are legally required to have an up-to-date EICR before renting out their properties, there is no legal obligation for homeowners to have an EICR when selling their house. However, even though it’s not mandatory, having an EICR in place is highly recommended, especially when you’re selling.
If you’re selling to a buyer who plans to rent out the property, they will be responsible for obtaining an EICR before renting it to tenants. So, there’s no need to worry about this if the property isn’t being rented out immediately after the sale.
Why Not Having an EICR Can Deter Potential Buyers
Imagine being a potential buyer – would you want to purchase a property without being certain that its electrical systems are safe? Most people would be hesitant to invest in a home without reassurance about the condition of its wiring and electrical systems.
Having an up-to-date EICR provides peace of mind to your buyer, assuring them that the electrical installations have been inspected and that any required repairs or upgrades have been identified. Without this, buyers may hesitate or worry about hidden problems, leading them to look at other properties.
It’s important to note that while you don’t need to carry out any repairs based on the EICR, if there are Code 1 or 2 issues (safety concerns), you should be transparent with the buyer. They may choose to handle the repairs themselves, or they may ask you to lower the sale price to cover the cost of the necessary work.
Can Buyers Request an EICR?
Yes, buyers can request an EICR before finalising the purchase. In fact, it’s common for buyers or their solicitors to ask for one if there isn’t a recent report available. While you are under no obligation to agree, refusing to provide an EICR may raise concerns for potential buyers and delay the sale process.
An EICR typically costs between £175 and £300, depending on the size and complexity of the property (see How Much Does an Electrical Safety Check Cost in 2025?). This is a small investment when compared to the overall cost of selling a house, and it can help reassure buyers that the property is safe and well-maintained.
If you’re looking to sell quickly and avoid any potential roadblocks in the process, it’s often best to take care of the EICR ahead of time. It may only take a few hours for an electrician to complete the inspection, and it could be the difference between making a sale and leaving your property on the market for longer.
How Much Does an EICR Cost?
The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) typically ranges between £100 and £300 for a standard residential property, depending on its size and the number of electrical circuits to be inspected. For a larger or more complex property, the price may be slightly higher, but in most cases, the cost is reasonable considering the peace of mind it provides.
When you factor in the other expenses associated with selling a home, such as agent fees, legal costs, and potential repairs, the cost of an EICR is relatively minor. Plus, it can make your property more attractive to buyers, increasing the likelihood of a smooth sale.
Should You Get an EICR Before Selling?
Even though it’s not legally required, getting an EICR before selling your home is a smart decision. It helps provide transparency and builds trust with potential buyers. By having the inspection completed beforehand, you show that you are committed to ensuring the safety and upkeep of the property. It also helps avoid delays during the sale process, especially if the buyer requests the report.
Conclusion
While an EICR isn’t a legal requirement for homeowners selling a property, it is highly recommended for the smoothest sale. An up-to-date EICR provides confidence to potential buyers that the electrical installations are safe, compliant, and well-maintained. Additionally, it can prevent issues that may arise later in the sale process, saving you time and effort.
So, if you’re planning to sell your house, consider getting an EICR to help secure a successful and stress-free sale. It’s a small investment that can have a big impact on your property’s appeal and value. Contact us today to book in your EICR.
