Buying a home is a big commitment, and rewiring or upgrading electrics after the fact is expensive. A quick electrical check before you buy can save you money and hassle. Here’s what to look at.
What to look for on a viewing
- The consumer unit — is it modern with RCD protection, or an old board with wire fuses?
- Sockets — are there enough, and are they modern (not round-pin)?
- Signs of old wiring — old fittings, black/red cable, or a lack of earth points.
- DIY work — untidy or non-standard alterations.
- Has it been rewired? Ask the agent, and ask for certificates.
Get an EICR
A survey may recommend one, but you can commission an EICR yourself. It tells you the true condition of the installation and gives you a basis to negotiate or budget. See also our guide to EICRs when selling.
Budgeting for electrical work
If the electrics are dated, factor in a consumer unit upgrade or, occasionally, a rewire. Knowing this before you exchange is far better than a surprise afterwards.
Common questions
It’s a smart move — an EICR reveals the true condition of the electrical installation, so you can negotiate on price or budget for any work before you commit.
An old fuse box with wire fuses and no RCD, round-pin sockets, black/red wiring, too few sockets, and evidence of untidy DIY alterations all suggest the electrics may need updating.
It varies. A consumer unit upgrade typically starts from £595 + VAT; a full rewire is quoted per property. An EICR first tells you exactly what’s needed.
Buying a property?
Get an EICR before you commit — know exactly what the electrics need.
Call 020 7473 7807