Can I Take My EV Charger with Me When I Move House?

As electric vehicles become more popular across the UK, home EV chargers are increasingly seen as essential additions to modern properties. If you have invested in a charger, it is natural to wonder what happens when you move home. Can you take the charger with you, or should you leave it behind for the new owners? The answer depends on practical, legal, and financial considerations. Understanding your options will help you make the right decision when planning a move and ensure that you continue to enjoy convenient charging without unnecessary costs or complications.

Is an EV charger considered a fixture?

In property law, the difference between fixtures and fittings often decides what stays and what goes when you sell your home. A fixture is something permanently attached to the property, such as radiators, built-in cupboards, or hardwired light fittings. Since an EV charger is usually bolted to an external wall and wired directly into the consumer unit, it is generally classed as a fixture. This means buyers typically expect it to remain with the property, unless otherwise agreed. Removing it without clarification could cause disputes, so it is best to address the issue early in the selling process.

Can you physically remove an EV charger?

Technically, yes. An EV charger can be removed by a qualified electrician. The unit itself can be detached, the cabling disconnected, and the wall returned to a safe condition. However, this is not a DIY task. Because the charger is integrated into your electrical system, removal must be done professionally to ensure the property is left safe and compliant with regulations. If you decide to take your charger with you, you should also budget for professional reinstallation at your new home, which may cost as much as a brand-new installation.

What do buyers expect?

Most buyers now view an EV charger as a selling point, particularly as demand for electric vehicles grows. Estate agents often highlight chargers in property listings because they add value and appeal. If a charger is advertised as part of the property, buyers will expect it to remain. Removing it without agreement can create issues during conveyancing or even lead to legal disputes. For this reason, many sellers choose to leave their charger behind and factor its value into the overall asking price.

Negotiating during the sale

If you prefer to take your charger with you, the key is transparency. During the sale process, you will complete a fixtures and fittings form, which outlines what is included in the sale. Here you can specify whether the charger will stay or be removed. In some cases, buyers may agree to a reduced price if you plan to take it, while in others they may prefer to negotiate for the charger to remain. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings and ensures both parties are satisfied.

What if you are renting?

For tenants who have installed an EV charger with landlord approval, the rules may differ. In many cases, the landlord will require the charger to remain when the tenancy ends, particularly if grants were used for installation. If you wish to take the charger with you, you should check your tenancy agreement and discuss the matter with your landlord. They may allow removal if the property is restored to its original condition, but this is not guaranteed.

Should you take it or leave it?

The decision often comes down to cost and practicality. Leaving the charger can enhance your property’s appeal and potentially increase its value. It also saves you the cost of removal and reinstallation. Taking it with you may make sense if you have a newer, high-specification charger or if your new property does not have one. However, bear in mind that you may face additional costs at your new home if upgrades to the consumer unit or electrical supply are required. In some cases, it is more cost-effective to leave the old charger and invest in a new one tailored to the new property.

Grants and funding considerations

If you benefited from a government grant when installing your charger, such as the EV Chargepoint Grant, conditions may apply. Grants are usually tied to the property rather than the owner, meaning the charger is expected to remain in place. Removing it could be seen as breaching the terms of the grant. Before making any decisions, check the conditions of any funding received to ensure compliance and avoid potential financial penalties.

Preparing to move with your charger

If you do decide to take your charger with you, planning ahead is essential. Arrange for a qualified installer to remove it shortly before your moving date, ensuring the property is left in a safe condition. Notify your solicitor and ensure the removal is reflected in the fixtures and fittings form. At your new property, consider booking a survey of the electrical system before moving in to confirm whether the charger can be reinstalled without upgrades. This avoids surprises and ensures a smoother transition.

Considering future needs

Finally, think about whether your existing charger is the right fit for your future needs. If you plan to upgrade your vehicle to one with faster charging capability, or if you want features such as solar integration or load balancing, it may be worth leaving the old charger and installing a more advanced model in your new home. Technology is evolving quickly, and a move can be the perfect opportunity to future-proof your setup.

Conclusion

Yes, you can take your EV charger with you when moving house, but it is not always the most practical or cost-effective option. Since chargers are usually classed as fixtures, buyers often expect them to remain, and removal must be agreed in advance. For many sellers, leaving the charger in place enhances property value and avoids complications. If you do decide to take it, ensure removal and reinstallation are carried out by qualified professionals and that any grant conditions are respected. By weighing up the costs, expectations, and future needs, you can make the right decision for your circumstances and ensure your EV charging setup continues to meet your needs wherever you live.