Do You Need an EICR to Sell a House?

Do You Need an EICR to Sell a House?

When preparing to sell a property, there is often a long list of paperwork to organise and checks to carry out. One question that comes up frequently is whether a seller needs to provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report, more commonly known as an EICR. With growing attention on safety standards and buyer confidence, this report has become an increasingly important part of the property selling process, even though it is not always legally required.

Understanding the role of an EICR when selling a house can help avoid delays, strengthen your sale position, and prevent complications during conveyancing. Whether you are a homeowner looking to list your property on the open market or a landlord selling a buy to let investment, this guide explains when an EICR is needed, how it influences the sale, and what to expect from the process.

What Is an EICR and Why Does It Matter?

An EICR is a formal document that assesses the safety and condition of a property's electrical installation. It must be carried out by a qualified electrician or electrical engineer registered with a competent person scheme. The report checks whether the wiring, sockets, consumer unit and other fixed electrical systems meet the standards set out in the current edition of the Wiring Regulations.

The purpose of an EICR is to identify potential safety hazards such as outdated wiring, damaged components or a lack of proper earthing. It gives the property an overall classification, typically stating whether it is satisfactory or unsatisfactory, and may include a list of remedial work needed to bring the system up to standard.

While the electrics may appear to work fine on the surface, underlying issues can go unnoticed for years. The EICR offers reassurance to buyers and mortgage lenders that the home is safe, compliant and free from major electrical faults.

Is an EICR a Legal Requirement When Selling?

In England and Wales, there is no legal requirement for private homeowners to provide an EICR when selling a property. It is not part of the mandatory documents for conveyancing, and there is no current legislation compelling the seller to commission one in order to complete the sale. However, that does not mean it should be ignored.

In practice, buyers are becoming more aware of electrical safety, and surveyors often raise questions if there is no evidence of recent electrical inspection. If the property is older, has not been rewired in decades, or shows signs of dated electrics, the absence of an EICR may lead to further queries or renegotiation on price.

For landlords selling tenanted properties, the rules are different. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020, it is a legal requirement to have a valid EICR in place for all rented properties in England. If a landlord is selling with tenants in situ, the EICR must be up to date and available for inspection by both the tenants and prospective buyers.

How an EICR Influences the Sales Process

While not compulsory for private sellers, an EICR can play a valuable role in speeding up the sales process and building trust with buyers. If your report shows a satisfactory outcome, it serves as a reassuring indicator that the property has been well maintained and that no hidden electrical dangers exist.

On the other hand, if your property does not have a recent EICR, or if the report highlights serious issues, buyers may request that repairs are carried out before exchange of contracts. Alternatively, they may ask for a reduction in the sale price to cover the cost of remedial work. This is particularly relevant in homes with outdated wiring, old fuse boxes or limited socket provision, which are common in properties built before the 1990s.

Having an EICR in place before listing your home can also help reduce delays during conveyancing. It provides clear evidence that electrics have been professionally assessed, which is especially important if the buyer’s survey flags electrical safety as a concern.

What to Expect From the EICR Process

An EICR should always be carried out by a qualified electrician registered with a recognised scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. The inspection typically takes several hours depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the electrical system.

During the inspection, the electrician will examine the consumer unit, wiring, fixed accessories and earthing arrangements. They may remove socket and switch faceplates to inspect connections and conduct insulation resistance and continuity tests. The goal is to identify any faults or code breaches that could pose a safety risk.

Once complete, the report will list any issues using a classification system. These include urgent remedial actions, recommended improvements or notes for future attention. If the report is deemed unsatisfactory, the seller can choose to carry out the required repairs and request a re-inspection to obtain a satisfactory result.

The Cost of Obtaining an EICR

The cost of an EICR depends on the size and age of the property, as well as the region and electrician’s pricing structure. On average, homeowners can expect to pay a few hundred pounds for a standard inspection of a three bedroom home. Larger or older properties may cost more, especially if access is difficult or the system is particularly complex.

If remedial work is needed, this will be quoted separately. In some cases, replacing an old consumer unit or correcting faulty wiring may add significantly to the overall cost. However, having this work done can prevent future issues and strengthen the buyer’s confidence in the property’s condition.

Professional Advice and Compliance

Although not a legal requirement for every sale, seeking professional advice before listing your property can help you decide whether commissioning an EICR is worthwhile. If the property has not had any electrical upgrades in decades, or if you suspect there may be faults or outdated components, it is better to be proactive.

A qualified electrician can offer a pre-inspection opinion or carry out minor checks before completing the full report. It is also advisable to keep records of any recent electrical work, such as rewiring, consumer unit replacement or certification of installations, as these can all be presented during the sale process.

For landlords, the responsibility is clear. A valid EICR is legally required and must be renewed every five years. Selling a tenanted property without an up to date EICR could lead to fines, delays or even enforcement action by local authorities.

Common Misunderstandings About EICRs and Selling

A common misconception is that a property cannot be sold without an EICR. This is not true in the case of private homes, but sellers should be aware that buyers may use the absence of an EICR to question the condition of the electrics. In competitive markets, having an EICR can give your home the edge by showing that safety has been taken seriously.

Another mistake is assuming that a visual inspection or a working light switch means the system is safe. Electrical faults can be hidden within walls or originate from poor quality past installations. A formal EICR is the only reliable way to verify compliance with current standards.

Some sellers also mistakenly believe that only visible faults matter. In reality, issues such as poor earthing, incorrect circuit protection or non compliant wiring colours can all be flagged in an EICR and may affect buyer confidence.

Improving Buyer Confidence and Adding Value

While an EICR may not increase the sale price directly, it can enhance the marketability of your home. Buyers are more likely to proceed quickly when paperwork is in order and major systems have been checked. Providing a clean EICR alongside your EPC, building control certificates and service history helps demonstrate that the home has been well cared for.

In some cases, sellers who present a recent EICR and evidence of electrical improvements find they attract stronger offers or avoid price renegotiations. It is an inexpensive way to show transparency and protect your sale from unnecessary disruption.