Most people living in London don’t think much about electrical safety—until they have to. A landlord might be renewing a lease. A homeowner could be preparing to sell. Or maybe someone’s just had an odd flicker across a few sockets. Whatever the reason, one document often becomes essential: the EICR.
If you’re trying to work out the EICR certificate cost that London property owners typically deal with, expect a bit of variation. There’s no single answer. Prices shift based on the size of your home, how easy it is to access wiring, and the condition of what’s behind the walls.
What Type of Property Are You Dealing With?
A one-bedroom flat won’t cost the same to inspect as a five-bedroom townhouse. That seems obvious. However, people are often surprised by how much layout and electrical access play a role.
Some average figures seen in 2025:
- Small flat (studio or 1-bed): £100 to £140
- 2–3 bedroom property: Around £150 to £200
- Larger houses or HMOs: £200 or more
- Retail or commercial units: Often £250 to £400+
Shared properties—like flats—sometimes take less time to check. Then again, shared meters or limited access to the central consumer unit can complicate things. So it’s not just about the floor plan.
Why Are the Prices So Inconsistent?
Inspections can take anywhere from one to four hours. Some charge a flat rate. Others bill by the number of circuits or even charge for each page of the report. There’s not a lot of consistency.
The location also matters. A house in Greenwich might come with one price, while something similar in Notting Hill might cost 20% more. Partly because of how local electricians price their time. Partly because of expected access issues or parking restrictions. That sort of thing.
Another point: what’s included in the quote? Some rates cover the whole test and certificate only. Others add in basic repairs or a follow-up check if needed. Always worth asking.
What the Inspection Actually Covers
Most people assume it’s just a few switches and sockets. That’s rarely the case. Inspectors will usually check the consumer unit, test all circuits, and look at both fixed and visible wiring. The goal is to spot wear, damage, or anything that could present a safety risk.
They’ll check for:
- Signs of overheating
- Loose wires or poor connections
- Lack of proper RCD protection
- Insufficient bonding between the pipework and the electrical earth
That last one—bonding—often gets flagged. Especially in older homes. It’s a simple fix, but still one that shows up a lot in inspection reports.
Who’s Responsible for Getting This Done?
If you own the property and rent it out, it’s your job to get it inspected. Every five years, at a minimum. That’s part of the rules set out under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
You’ll also need to:
- Hand over a copy to tenants within 28 days
- Provide the report to local authorities if asked
- Make any required repairs quickly—usually within 28 days
For leaseholders, especially in shared blocks, it gets tricky. Sometimes the building owner handles the main electrics, but that doesn’t always cover what’s inside individual flats. Always check your lease.
What If It Fails?
The EICR might come back marked “unsatisfactory.” That doesn’t mean panic. It just means something needs fixing before the report can be passed.
Some issues are minor—like outdated fittings. Others could be serious, like exposed wiring or overloaded circuits. Fixes vary in price. A new fuse box might cost £350. Installing proper bonding could cost another £150. These things add up.
Once the repair is done, a follow-up test might be needed. And yes, that’s usually charged separately. Ask ahead of time what the retesting fee is. Some include it, others don’t.
Why Cheapest Doesn’t Always Help
It’s tempting to go with the lowest quote. But fast inspections often miss things—or skip tests altogether. A rushed visit might last 30 minutes. That’s rarely enough.
The flip side? Paying over the odds doesn’t guarantee anything either. What matters is the person doing the work. Are they registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or a similar body? Do they provide a complete, itemised report? That’s what you need to check.
You’re not just looking for a certificate. You want your property safe. Or at least, not being on the hook for a legal issue later.
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