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Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make, so it’s important to ensure the property is safe before completing the purchase. In recent months we’ve seen a growing number of house buyers contacting us to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before they finalise their purchase.
In many cases, buyers tell us their solicitor or surveyor has recommended an electrical inspection to check the condition of the property’s wiring and electrical system before completing the purchase.
While it’s important to understand that an up-to-date EICR is not a legal requirement when buying or selling a home, it can provide valuable peace of mind. A professional electrical inspection can identify potential faults, safety hazards, or outdated wiring before you move in, helping you avoid unexpected repair costs and ensuring the electrics are safe.
In this guide, we explain what an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is, why many house buyers choose to arrange one, and how it can help identify electrical issues before completing your property purchase.
What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed safety inspection of a property’s electrical system. The report is designed to identify any faults, damage, deterioration, or areas where the installation does not meet current UK electrical safety standards.
For landlords in England, having a valid EICR is a legal requirement when renting out a property, and the inspection must usually be carried out at least every five years to ensure the electrical installation remains safe.
During an EICR, a qualified electrician will carry out a series of tests and visual inspections on key parts of the electrical system, including:
- The consumer unit (fuse box)
- Wiring and electrical circuits
- Earthing and bonding
- Sockets and switches
- Fixed lighting fixtures
Once the inspection is complete, the electrician will provide a detailed report outlining the condition of the electrical installation. The report will be classified as either “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.”
If any issues are identified, the report will include observation codes and recommendations explaining what needs to be repaired or upgraded to bring the electrical system in line with current UK safety standards.
Why It’s a Good Idea to Get an Electrical Inspection Before Buying a Property
Arranging an electrical inspection before completing a house purchase can help you better understand the condition of the property’s electrical system. While many homes may appear fine at first glance, hidden electrical faults or outdated wiring can pose safety risks and lead to expensive repairs after you move in. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) helps identify these issues early and allows buyers to make a more informed decision.
Do Standard Property Surveys Check the Electrical System?
While standard property surveys provide a general overview of the building, they do not include a full electrical test. An EICR is carried out by a qualified electrician using specialist testing equipment to properly assess the safety and condition of the wiring, circuits and consumer unit.
Older Wiring May Not Meet Modern Safety Standards
In older properties, it is common to find deteriorated wiring or electrical work that was installed many years ago and may no longer meet current UK safety standards. In some cases, previous owners may have attempted DIY electrical work that has not been installed correctly.
Deteriorated or poorly installed wiring can pose a safety risk and may overheat, short circuit, or increase the risk of electrical fires if left unchecked.
Electrical Faults Can Be Expensive to Fix
Repairing electrical faults, replacing an outdated consumer unit, or carrying out a full house rewire can be costly, particularly when you have already invested a significant amount of money in purchasing the property.
Identifying these issues before completing the purchase allows buyers to budget for upgrades or address potential problems early.
An Electrical Inspection Can Help You Negotiate a Fair Purchase Price
Because an EICR provides a detailed report of any electrical faults or safety issues, it can also be useful when negotiating the purchase price of a property.
If problems are identified, the buyer may be able to request that the seller carry out the necessary repairs or use the report to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to reflect the cost of the electrical work required.
Is an EICR Required When Buying a Property?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is not a legal requirement when buying or selling a residential property in the UK. However, many buyers choose to arrange an electrical inspection to better understand the condition of the property’s electrical system before completing the purchase.
In some cases, solicitors or surveyors may recommend obtaining an EICR, particularly if the property is older.
Having an EICR carried out before completing your purchase can help identify potential safety issues, outdated electrical installations, or costly repairs, allowing buyers to make a more informed decision before moving forward.
When Should You Book an EICR When Buying a House?
Booking an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at the right stage of the house-buying process can save you money, reduce risk, and give you peace of mind.
A detailed EICR can highlight any electrical faults, helping you protect your investment and potentially negotiate the purchase price if repairs are needed. By addressing issues before completing the sale, you avoid unexpected costs and reduce the risk of unsafe electrics affecting your family’s safety.
We generally recommend arranging an EICR during the final stages of negotiations, before contracts are exchanged. If the inspection is only done after completion, you may face expensive repair costs or inherit potentially unsafe wiring. Conducting the inspection before purchase ensures the report is relevant, unbiased, and actionable, giving you confidence in the property’s electrical safety.
How Much Does an EICR Cost for a House?
The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can vary depending on the size of the property and the number of electrical circuits that need to be tested.
As of March 2026, for an average 2–3 bedroom house with one consumer unit and up to 10 circuits (most homes typically have between 8–10 circuits), the cost of an EICR is £210 + VAT.
In order to provide an accurate quotation, we usually ask customers to send a photo of the current consumer unit (fuse box). This allows us to see the number of circuits and provide a fixed price quotation before booking the inspection.
Who Should Pay for an EICR When Buying a House?
There is no formal rule about who should pay for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) when buying a property. In many cases, the buyer arranges and pays for the inspection because they want reassurance about the condition of the electrical system before completing the purchase.
Some buyers ask the seller to arrange the report instead. However, many electricians recommend that the buyer commission the inspection directly so the report remains completely independent and unbiased.
If the report is arranged by the seller, there is always the possibility that the electrician has been instructed by the homeowner, which can sometimes raise questions about impartiality. When the buyer arranges the inspection themselves, they can be confident that the findings are provided solely in their interest.
A Common Compromise Between Buyers and Sellers
In some situations, buyers and sellers agree to split the cost of the EICR. This can be a fair solution when both parties want reassurance about the condition of the electrics before moving forward with the sale.
If significant electrical issues are discovered during the inspection, the report can then be used to discuss repairs or negotiate the purchase price before contracts are exchanged.
EICR for House Buyers in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Arranging an EICR before completing a house purchase is a simple step that can save you money, reduce risk, and give you peace of mind. Whether it’s identifying outdated wiring, uncovering hidden faults, or helping you negotiate the right purchase price, a professional electrical inspection ensures your new home is safe for you and your family.
Book an EICR Before Buying Your Property
Whether you’re buying a property in Nottingham or Derbyshire, or a landlord who needs an EICR, our team at Eagle Electrical can carry out a full inspection quickly and professionally, giving you peace of mind and confidence before you move in or rent out your property.