Do You Need an EICR to Sell a House? UK 2025 Rules & Buyer Advice

Do You Need an EICR to Sell a House? UK 2025 Rules & Buyer Advice

🏡 Do You Need an EICR to Sell a House in the UK? 2025 Rules & Buyer Advice

If you’re preparing to sell your home in 2025, you may be wondering whether you need a valid EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). Estate agents, buyers, and solicitors often give mixed messages — and the rules vary depending on the property.

This guide explains everything UK sellers and buyers need to know: whether an EICR is legally required, why buyers ask for it, how much it costs, and how it affects negotiations.

📚 Contents

📌 Quick Answer

No — an EICR is NOT legally required to sell a house in the UK.

However, many buyers or mortgage lenders request one, especially for older homes or properties with outdated wiring.

An EICR can:

  • speed up the sale
  • reassure buyers
  • avoid last-minute negotiations or price reductions

For a full overview of EICRs, see: Complete EICR Guide 2025 .

No law in the UK requires an EICR for residential sales.

The only legally required certificate when selling is:

  • EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

However, if the property is a rental being sold with tenants in place, a valid EICR is legally required for the tenancy.

🔍 Why Buyers Often Request an EICR

Why Buyers Often Request an EICR

Many buyers — or their mortgage surveyors — request EICRs because:

  • electrical issues are common in older homes
  • rewires are expensive (£2,500–£6,000+)
  • a new consumer unit may hide deeper issues
  • buyers want reassurance before exchanging contracts

Buyers often ask after seeing notes on a Homebuyer Survey saying: “Electrical installation condition unknown — recommend further investigation.”

For differences between inspections, see: EICR vs Homebuyer Electrical Survey .

⏳ When You Should Get an EICR Before Selling

While not mandatory, an EICR is strongly recommended if:

  • Your home has an old fuse box (no RCDs)
  • The wiring hasn’t been updated in decades
  • The Homebuyer Survey raised electrical concerns
  • You want to avoid price negotiations
  • You’re selling to first-time buyers or investors

If you want to know how long an inspection takes, see: How Long Does an EICR Take? .

❌ What If the EICR Fails?

If the report is Unsatisfactory, it means the installation has:

  • C1 – Danger Present
  • C2 – Potentially Dangerous
  • FI – Further Investigation Required

Full explanation here: EICR Codes Explained .

You then have three choices:

1️⃣ Fix the issues before selling

This reassures buyers and avoids renegotiation.

2️⃣ Reduce the asking price

Often negotiated by buyers to cover potential repairs.

3️⃣ Allow the buyer to fix after purchase

Common when selling older homes.

For typical repair prices after a failed report, see: Remedial Electrical Work Costs .

For re-test pricing, see: EICR Re-Test Cost Guide .

💷 How Much Does an EICR Cost for Home Sellers?

Typical UK residential EICR prices in 2025:

  • 1–2 bedroom flat: £120 – £170
  • 3 bedroom house: £160 – £220
  • 4+ bedroom house: £200 – £280

Full pricing here: EICR Cost Guide .

💡 Tips for Home Sellers in 2025

✔ Tip 1 — Fix small issues before listing

  • damaged sockets
  • broken switches
  • loose fittings

✔ Tip 2 — Keep electrical paperwork handy

  • EICR (if available)
  • Installation certificates
  • Consumer unit installation certificate (if recently upgraded)

✔ Tip 3 — Consider voluntary testing

An up-to-date EICR reassures buyers.

✔ Tip 4 — Be ready for negotiations

Especially if wiring is older than 25–30 years.

🔗 Related Electrical Guides

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I legally need an EICR to sell?

No — it’s optional.

Will buyers ask for one?

Often yes, especially for older properties.

Does an EICR replace a Homebuyer Survey?

No — surveys do not include electrical testing.

What if the EICR fails?

You can fix issues, negotiate price, or let the buyer handle repairs.

Does a new consumer unit guarantee a pass?

No — wiring and bonding may still cause failures.

While not a legal requirement, an EICR can greatly help the selling process in 2025. It builds trust with buyers, avoids surprises, and can prevent last-minute price reductions.

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