Red flags on a viewing
- An old fuse box with rewireable fuses, or no RCD protection
- Old-style round-pin sockets, or very few sockets with lots of extension leads
- Scorched or cracked sockets and switches
- Black rubber or fabric-covered cable
- DIY-looking additions, such as loose cables, sockets in odd places or outdoor cables run along fences
Paperwork to ask for
- A recent EICR, if one exists
- Electrical installation and Part P certificates for any rewire, consumer unit change, extension or new circuits. See Part P explained
- Certificates for any EV charger, solar PV or battery storage
If there's no recent report, consider booking an EICR before exchange. Electrical Safety First has more advice for home buyers.
When to call an electrician
- You'd like the wiring inspected before you buy
- The survey or EICR suggests rewiring or a new consumer unit and you need a quote
Sources and further reading
- Electrical Safety First – Advice for home buyers
- GOV.UK – Approved Document P (electrical safety in dwellings)
- IET – BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
General guidance only, based on the sources above. Last reviewed October 2026. It isn't a substitute for an inspection by a qualified electrician.