No, you do not legally need an EICR to sell your house in England if you live in it yourself. There is no rule that says an owner-occupier must produce an electrical installation condition report before a sale. That said, getting one is often worthwhile, because buyers increasingly ask about the electrics and a recent report can help a sale go more smoothly.
If you are buying, an EICR is one of the most useful checks you can arrange before you commit. This guide covers both sides: why sellers might get one, why buyers should consider one, and how it fits with the survey and conveyancing process.
Is an EICR a legal requirement when selling?
For an owner-occupied home, no. The legal requirement for regular EICRs applies to rented property. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have the installation inspected at least every five years. If you own and live in your home, IET guidance recommends an inspection at least every 10 years, but this is a recommendation rather than a legal obligation.
If you are selling a property that is currently let, the position is different. The landlord must already hold a valid EICR, and a buyer who intends to keep letting will want to see it. See our guide to landlord electrical safety regulations for those duties.
Why sellers often choose to get an EICR anyway
Even though it is optional, there are good reasons to have a report done before or shortly after you put your home on the market.
- Answering questions early. During conveyancing, sellers are usually asked about work carried out on the property and any certificates they hold. Having a recent EICR to hand makes these questions easier to deal with.
- Avoiding surprises. If a buyer's surveyor flags the electrics, the buyer may arrange their own inspection late in the process. Finding issues at that stage can lead to delays or a request to reduce the price.
- Deciding on your own terms. If your report shows problems, you can choose whether to fix them before marketing or disclose them and adjust your expectations, rather than reacting under time pressure.
- Bringing paperwork together. If you have had a consumer unit replaced or a rewire, buyers' solicitors may ask for the electrical installation certificate and Part P building control notification. An EICR is a good prompt to locate those documents.
Why buyers should consider an EICR
A typical buyer's survey looks at the property as a whole. A surveyor may note visible signs such as an old fuse box, dated sockets or surface wiring, and recommend that the installation is checked by a qualified electrician. It is not, however, a full inspection and test of the electrical installation.
An EICR goes much further. The electrician tests circuits, checks earthing and bonding, inspects the consumer unit and identifies any deterioration or damage. For a buyer, that means:
- A clearer idea of whether the house needs significant electrical work, such as a consumer unit replacement or a full or partial rewire
- Better information to plan your budget after moving in
- Peace of mind that your new home is safe for your family
If you are not sure what warning signs to look out for while viewing, our article on signs your house needs rewiring is a helpful starting point.
What an EICR will tell you
Each issue found during an EICR is given a code:
| Code | Meaning | Effect on report |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present, immediate action required | Unsatisfactory |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required | Unsatisfactory |
| FI | Further investigation required without delay | Unsatisfactory |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Does not on its own make it unsatisfactory |
Many older homes receive C3 recommendations simply because the installation was designed to an earlier version of the Wiring Regulations. That is not the same as being unsafe. For a deeper look, read EICR codes explained.
Selling with an unsatisfactory EICR
If your report comes back unsatisfactory, you have options:
- Fix the issues first. Straightforward C1 and C2 items can often be resolved quickly. You then have a clean report to share with buyers.
- Disclose and negotiate. Share the report and a written quote for the work so buyers can see exactly what is involved.
- Get further investigation done. If there is an FI code, finding out what is behind it removes uncertainty for both sides.
Our guide to what to do after an unsatisfactory EICR explains the process in more detail.
Timing your EICR around a sale or purchase
- Sellers: arrange it before listing, or as soon as you accept an offer, so the report is ready when the buyer's solicitor raises enquiries.
- Buyers: ask the seller or agent for access once your offer is accepted and before exchange, so any findings can inform your decision.
- New owners: if you did not get one before buying, it is worth having an EICR soon after you move in, especially before starting any renovation work. After that, aim for every 10 years as recommended for owner-occupied homes. See how often do you need an EICR.
How much does it cost?
Our EICRs in London start from £79 for a studio flat up to £149 for a four-bedroom house. Larger homes are priced on a fixed written quote. For a full breakdown, see our EICR cost guide.
Book an EICR for your sale or purchase
Polarity Electrics London Ltd is an NICEIC Approved Contractor with more than eight NICEIC-certified engineers covering all of London and the Home Counties, from St Albans to Surrey. We offer same-day and next-day appointments, a digital certificate emailed the same day with photos and observations, and a clear remedial cost breakdown if anything needs attention. There is no call-out charge.
To arrange your inspection, book online or call 0203 908 4790.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an EICR to sell my house?
No. There is no legal requirement for an owner-occupier to have an EICR before selling a home in England. However, a recent report can answer buyers' questions early and help avoid delays or renegotiation.
Should I get an EICR when buying a house?
It is a sensible step. A general building survey is not a full electrical inspection, so an EICR gives you a clear picture of the condition of the wiring and consumer unit and any work that may be needed.
How often should a homeowner get an EICR?
IET guidance recommends an inspection at least every 10 years for owner-occupied homes. Rented homes are different, needing an inspection at least every five years.
What if my EICR is unsatisfactory before a sale?
You can choose to fix the C1, C2 or FI items before marketing the property, or disclose the report and factor the work into negotiations. Either way, knowing the position early puts you in control.