Do I Need an EICR to Sell My House? UK Rules & Guide 2025
🏡 Do I Need an EICR to Sell My House? UK Rules & Buyer Expectations for 2025
If you're preparing to sell your home, you may be wondering whether an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is legally required. With buyers becoming more safety-conscious and mortgage lenders tightening standards, electrical documentation is now a key part of many property sales in the UK.
This guide explains whether you need an EICR to sell your house in 2025, what buyers expect, how it affects the sale price, and when an electrical report is essential.
📚 Contents
- 📜 Do You Legally Need an EICR to Sell a House?
- 👍 Why an EICR Is Often Recommended
- 🏠 What Buyers Typically Expect in 2025
- 🏦 Do Mortgage Lenders Ask for an EICR?
- 🔍 EICR vs Homebuyer Report – What’s the Difference?
- ⚠️ What If Your EICR Fails?
- 💷 How Much Does an EICR Cost Before Selling?
- 📈 Can an EICR Improve Your Selling Price?
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📜 Do You Legally Need an EICR to Sell a House?
No — an EICR is NOT legally required to sell an owner-occupied home in the UK.
The law only requires landlords to have an EICR every 5 years, under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020.
However, while not legally mandatory, an EICR can strongly influence:
- buyer confidence
- valuation negotiations
- the speed of the sale
👍 Why an EICR Is Often Recommended
Even though it's not a legal requirement, homeowners often choose to get an EICR before selling because:
- It reassures buyers that the electrics are safe
- It helps avoid price negotiations or last-minute disputes
- It prevents delays caused by issues found in surveys
- It can highlight faults you can fix cheaply before viewings
Properties with clear electrical documentation tend to sell faster and with fewer complications.
🏠 What Buyers Typically Expect in 2025
Buyers increasingly ask sellers for:
- Recent EICR (preferably within 5–10 years)
- Proof of compliant consumer unit
- Details of electrical upgrades
- Any certificates from past work (minor works or installation certificates)
Houses with older fuse boxes or wiring are more likely to trigger buyer concerns — resulting in reduced offers or requests for a price reduction.
🏦 Do Mortgage Lenders Ask for an EICR?
Mortgage lenders typically do not require an EICR directly. However, they rely heavily on the buyer’s Homebuyer Survey.
If the survey flags electrical issues, the lender can:
- Request further investigation
- Reduce the loan amount
- Require evidence that the installation is safe
In these cases, an EICR becomes essential to progress the sale.
🔍 EICR vs Homebuyer Report – What’s the Difference?
Many sellers confuse an EICR with a Homebuyer Report. They are completely different:
| Report Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| EICR | In-depth electrical testing, wiring condition, safety, compliance (BS 7671) |
| Homebuyer Survey | General property condition. Does not include detailed electrical testing |
For full detail on the differences, see our guide: EICR vs Homebuyer Electrical Survey .
⚠️ What If Your EICR Fails Before Selling?
If your EICR shows C1, C2, or FI issues, the report is marked Unsatisfactory.
Buyers often use failed EICR results to negotiate a lower price or request repairs before exchange.
To understand fail codes, see: EICR Codes Explained (C1, C2, C3 & FI) .
💷 How Much Does an EICR Cost Before Selling?
Typical UK prices in 2025:
- 1–2 bed flat: £120–£170
- 2–3 bed house: £160–£220
- 4+ bed house: £200–£300+
Full pricing breakdown here: EICR Cost Guide 2025 .
📈 Can an EICR Increase Your Selling Price?
Yes — in many cases.
Homes with:
- modern wiring
- upgraded consumer units
- recent electrical certificates
…can attract higher offers and reduce buyer hesitation.
Proactive sellers often fix small issues early to avoid last-minute price negotiations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is an EICR mandatory to sell a UK home?
No — but buyers may strongly prefer one.
Can buyers request an EICR?
Yes. This is common if the property has an old fuse box or no electrical documentation.
Does a failed EICR stop a house sale?
No, but it often leads to renegotiation or required repairs.
Does a new consumer unit help with selling?
Yes — modern RCD/RCBO protection reassures buyers and surveyors.
How recent should an EICR be?
Ideally within the last 5 years, but older reports may still help if no major changes occurred.
Will the buyer’s survey show electrical problems?
Yes — Homebuyer Reports often list “electrics require inspection”, which slows the sale.
While not legally required, having an EICR before selling your house can speed up the process, avoid disputes, and strengthen buyer confidence.