Do I Need An EICR To Sell My House?

Do I need an EICR to sell my house? No, an EICR is not a legal requirement when selling a house. However, an EICR will reassure buyers about the condition and safety of your electrical system and might make the sale process quicker and easier.

Introduction

When buying a property, electrical system safety is often a concern for buyers. Safety concerns and the cost of necessary repairs or upgrades can put buyers off. While not mandatory, an EICR can provide peace of mind and avoid unnecessary delays:

• An EICR can help build trust with potential buyers by demonstrating the property’s safety.
• If repairs or upgrades are needed, it informs the buyer of what’s required.
• An EICR may prevent delays in the sale process if a buyer requests an electrical inspection.
• Highlighting any issues upfront allows you to address them before negotiations.
• Buyers may feel more confident knowing the property meets modern safety standards.
• Some mortgage lenders or surveyors may require an EICR for their assessment.
• Having an EICR ready can make your property more appealing than others without one.

What Is An EICR?

An EICR is a report on the condition of a property’s electrical system. A qualified electrician inspects the electrical system and checks for safety risks. The report highlights any problems and rates their severity. It also recommends steps to fix issues, if necessary.

The purpose of an EICR is to ensure the electrical installation is safe. It checks that the wiring, consumer unit, and sockets meet modern safety standards. This is not a certificate of compliance but a detailed safety assessment.

Is An EICR Legally Required When Selling A House?

There is no law requiring an EICR when selling a residential property. Sellers must meet legal obligations such as providing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), but an EICR is not included.

For rental properties, the rules are different. Landlords are required to follow the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. This requires an EICR every five years or at the start of each new tenancy.

Why An EICR Can Be Useful To Sellers

Although not required, an EICR has many benefits. Buyers often look for assurances about a property’s safety. An EICR shows the electrical system is well-maintained and safe for use, making your home more attractive to buyers.

Delays can happen if a buyer requests an EICR after agreeing to purchase. Arranging the inspection in advance helps avoid this. If faults are found, you have time to fix them before they become a negotiation problem.

Sometimes, a mortgage lender or surveyor may ask for an EICR. If this happens, having one ready will speed up the process.

How To Get An EICR

To arrange an EICR, contact a qualified electrician. They will inspect the electrical system and issue a report. The process takes a few hours, depending on the property size.

The report identifies problems and provides a safety rating. “Satisfactory” means the system is safe. “Unsatisfactory” means repairs are needed. Common issues include outdated wiring, dated fuse boxes, faulty sockets, or an overloaded Consumer Unit.

An EICR’s cost varies depending on the property’s size and location.

If You’re Selling, Consider An EICR

An EICR is not legally required to sell your home. However, it can reassure buyers and help the sale go smoothly. If issues arise, fixing them early avoids complications. If you’re selling your property, consider arranging an EICR. Always use a qualified electrician for inspections.

Need An EICR?

If you live in Essex, are selling your home and would like an EICR, one of our NICEIC-certified electricians can undertake the inspection. On completion, an EICR certificate will be issued, which you can show to potential buyers and mortgage lenders (if they request one). Please contact us to book an appointment.