Selling Your House? Here's What the Electrics Solicitors Actually Ask For

I get this call more often than you'd think: "Frankie, we're selling the house and the solicitor's asking about electrics — what do we need?"

Usually it comes at the worst possible time — you've accepted an offer, you're three weeks from exchange, and suddenly there's a question mark hanging over the wiring. So let me save you that stress and explain what you actually need, what you don't, and how to use your electrics as a selling point rather than a stumbling block.

Do you legally need an EICR to sell your house?

No. If you own and live in the property, there's no legal requirement to provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report when you sell. But buyers' solicitors are routinely asking sellers for evidence that the electrics are safe. Think of it like an MOT when you're selling a car. An EICR for your house works the same way — not the law, but increasingly expected.

What you definitely do need

If any notifiable electrical work has been carried out on your property since 1st January 2005, you must be able to provide a Part P Building Regulations compliance certificate or an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). Notifiable work includes rewires, new circuits, bathroom work, or replacing a consumer unit. If you can't find them, that's where problems start.

Why getting an EICR early is smart

Most sellers wait until they're asked for an EICR — by then they're on the back foot. If the EICR comes back satisfactory, you've got a certificate to hand to your estate agent. If it comes back with issues, you've got time to deal with them on your terms and your budget.

What an EICR actually checks

I'm testing every circuit in the property — checking insulation resistance, earth fault paths, and whether your safety switches react fast enough to protect you. The report grades any issues: C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), C3 (improvement recommended).

What it costs

I charge £180 plus VAT for an EICR on a property with up to 6 circuits, and £15 plus VAT for each additional circuit. Most standard 3-bed houses in York have around 8 to 10 circuits, so you'd be looking at roughly £210 to £240 plus VAT. Compare that to the cost of a delayed sale or a renegotiated price.

Common questions from sellers

"My house is only 15 years old — do I really need one?" Probably not urgently, but it removes one more reason for delay and gives the buyer's solicitor what they need to tick the box.

"The buyer's survey flagged the electrics." Incredibly common. An EICR answers the question properly and replaces vague concern with a factual report.

"Can I sell with an unsatisfactory EICR?" Yes. But the buyer will likely use it to negotiate the price down, or ask you to carry out the remedial work before exchange.

Frankie Sewell
NICEIC Approved Contractor • YRLA Recognised Service Provider • Bright Sparks of York