Selling Your Home? Don't Overlook Your EICR: The Essential Report for Homeowners and Landlords

If you’re preparing to sell your home, you’ve probably thought about fresh paint, tidy gardens, and staging rooms to impress buyers. But there’s one critical detail many

homeowners overlook: the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

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Homebuyer EICR reports provide sellers and landlords with complete confidence that their electrical systems are safe, efficient, and compliant with the latest UK regulations.

Why an EICR Matters When Selling Your Home

Electrical systems don’t last forever. Over time, wiring and components can deteriorate due to age, wear and tear, or modifications. Without a valid EICR, you could be leaving potential buyers in the dark about hidden risks such as electric shocks, fire hazards, or system failures.

By arranging an inspection before listing your home, you:

• Provide reassurance to buyers that the property is electrically safe.

• Ensure compliance with British Standards (BS 7671) and regulations.

• Avoid insurance issues, since many insurers require up-to-date inspections.

• Save money by catching small problems before they become costly repairs.

  
  

What’s Included in an EICR?

The electrical testing and inspection process should be detailed and thorough. Starting with a visual check of your wiring, consumer unit (fuse box), sockets, and fittings, before moving on to advanced diagnostic testing. These include:

• Continuity testing – confirms proper connections of protective conductors.

• Insulation resistance testing – checks cable insulation to prevent shocks or fires.

• Polarity testing – ensures wiring is connected correctly.

• Earth fault loop impedance testing – verifies the effectiveness of the earthing system.

• RCD testing – makes sure safety devices trip within the required timeframes.

• PAT testing (optional) – for landlords and businesses, covering portable appliances.

When the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive Electrical Installation Condition Report. This document details any issues, graded by severity:

• C1 (Danger Present): Requires immediate action.

• C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Needs urgent remedial work.

• C3 (Improvement Recommended): Not mandatory, but increases safety.

• FI (Further Investigation): Indicates areas requiring closer assessment.

  
  

Who Needs an EICR?

• Homeowners & Sellers: Demonstrates safety and can speed up the sales process.

• Landlords: Legally required every five years, or at change of tenancy.

• Businesses: Essential for compliance under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

• Property Managers: Ensures ongoing compliance and safety across multiple properties.

  
  

Peace of Mind for Sellers and Buyers

A professional EICR from helps buyers gain confidence that the property is safe, while sellers can avoid delays or negotiations over electrical concerns.