Buying a Home in London: The Electrical Certificates Your Solicitor Will Ask For

When you buy a home in London, your solicitor will send the seller's answers to the property information form, and one section asks about electrical work. Many buyers are surprised by how often the answer is "not known". This guide explains what certificates you might expect to see, what to do if they are missing, and when to book your own check. It is general information, not legal advice.

What the seller is asked

The standard property information form asks whether the electrics have been tested and whether any electrical work has been done since 2005, when Part P of the building regulations brought in rules for notifying certain work. If work was done, the seller is asked for the certificates.

Certificates you may see

• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): for new circuits, rewires and consumer unit replacements.
• Building regulations compliance certificate: issued through a competent person scheme or the council for notifiable work.
• Minor Works certificate: for smaller additions, such as an extra socket or light.
• EICR: a report on the condition of the whole installation, common in homes that have been let.

Our guide to EICR, EIC and Minor Works certificates explains each one.

If certificates are missing

Missing paperwork is common, especially for older kitchens, extensions and loft conversions. Options include asking the seller to obtain them, accepting an indemnity policy arranged through the solicitors, or booking your own EICR before exchange so you know the condition of the wiring. An indemnity policy covers certain legal risks but does not tell you whether the electrics are safe.

When to book your own EICR

• The home is older and there is no recent EICR.
• There have been extensions or loft conversions with no certificates.
• You plan to let the property, as you will need an EICR anyway.
• The survey mentions an old consumer unit or wiring concerns.

Our guide on moving into an older London house has a checklist for your first weeks, and sellers can read our guide on selling a flat in London.

Book a pre-purchase EICR

Energy North Ltd carries out EICRs for buyers across North, East and West London with City & Guilds certified electricians, usually within 48 hours, with the report emailed the same day. EICRs start from £100. See our EICR service.