Do I need an EICR to sell my house?
There is no legal requirement for a seller to provide an EICR, but buyers, surveyors and lenders often ask about the electrics. Here is when one helps.
What the law says
Owner-occupiers selling a home are not required to provide an EICR in any UK nation. Rented properties being sold with tenants in place are different: the landlord should already hold a current report.
Why buyers ask
- The property information form asks about electrical work and testing, and gaps prompt follow-up questions from the buyer's solicitor.
- Surveyors often recommend a test when they see older consumer units or wiring.
- Buy-to-let purchasers need a valid report before they can let the property.
When to get one before listing
If the property is more than 25 years old, still has a fuse box with rewireable fuses, or has had DIY electrical work, getting an EICR first lets you fix anything serious on your terms rather than renegotiating the price late in the sale.
For buyers
An EICR before exchange tells you the likely cost of any electrical work. Ask the seller's permission for access, and book early as the test takes two to four hours for most homes.
Questions
Can a failed EICR stop a sale?
Who pays for the EICR when buying?
Book your inspection
Send the property details and we will reply with a fixed price and available dates, normally within one working day.