Inspection only; remedial work is extra
Roughly 8 circuits, standard install
Plus property size and location
Or sooner if the report says so
How much does eicr cost in 2026?
EICR prices are driven mostly by how many circuits the electrician has to test and the size and age of the property. The figures below are for the inspection and certificate only in 2026 — any C1 or C2 faults found are quoted and charged separately as remedial work.
| Property type | Typical 2026 range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £120–£180 | Fewest circuits; quickest job |
| 2-bed flat | £130–£190 | Standard consumer unit |
| 2–3 bed house | £150–£250 | Most common domestic job |
| 3-bed house (≈8 circuits) | £180–£250 | Often the 'average' quote |
| 4-bed house | £220–£300 | More circuits, more sockets |
| 5-bed / large detached | £280–£350 | Multiple boards possible |
| HMO (6+ rooms) | £300–£500+ | More circuits and tenancy rules |
| Extra circuits (over ~8) | £10–£15 each | Charged on top of base fee |
What affects the cost
Two EICRs on the same street can be priced differently. The big factors in 2026 are:
- Number of circuits — the single biggest driver. Each circuit is individually tested, so a fuse-board with 14 ways costs more than one with 6.
- Property size and bedrooms — more rooms usually means more sockets, lights and circuits to inspect.
- Age and condition — older installations (rubber or fabric cable, old fuse boxes) take longer to test and document.
- Accessibility — boarded lofts, blocked consumer units and hard-to-reach sockets add time.
- Location — London and the South East typically run 20–30% above the national average.
- Registration — NICEIC or NAPIT registered electricians may charge slightly more but the certificate carries more weight with lenders and letting agents.
Cost breakdown: what you're paying for
An EICR is almost entirely a labour and expertise cost — there are very few materials involved. You're paying a qualified electrician for two to four hours of testing, plus the time to write up and certify the report.
- Inspection and testing: dead and live tests on every circuit using calibrated equipment.
- The report: a documented certificate listing observations coded C1, C2, C3 or FI, and an overall 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory' result.
- Travel and overheads: baked into the day rate, which is why minimum call-out fees apply to small flats.
Crucially, the EICR fee does not include fixing faults. If problems are found, you receive a separate quote for remedial work.
Cheap vs mid vs premium
Budget (£80–£140): often a sole trader or a high-volume company doing small flats. Fine for a simple, modern install — but check they are scheme-registered and that the price includes the full circuit count.
Mid-range (£150–£280): the sweet spot for most houses. A registered electrician who tests thoroughly, explains the codes and gives a clear remedial quote.
Premium (£300+): larger homes, HMOs, period properties or same-day reports in London. You're paying for complexity, speed and a name lenders and agents recognise.
Common extras and hidden costs
The headline EICR price is rarely the final bill if faults are found. Watch for:
- Remedial work — replacing a faulty socket £50–£100; a new consumer unit with RCBO protection £500–£800; a full rewire around £3,000+.
- Re-test / re-issue fee — some firms charge to revisit and confirm fixes so they can issue a satisfactory certificate.
- Extra circuits — anything above the quoted ~8 circuits, typically £10–£15 plus VAT each.
- Out-of-hours or same-day — premiums for urgent landlord deadlines.
- Minimum bookings for very small jobs.
How to save money without cutting corners
An EICR is a safety document, so never chase the lowest price blindly — but you can still keep costs sensible:
- Get three quotes and compare what's included, not just the headline figure.
- Ask for an all-in price covering your actual circuit count so there are no surprises.
- Make the consumer unit and key sockets accessible before the visit to save time.
- If you're a landlord with several properties, ask about a multi-property rate.
- Get the remedial work quoted separately and shop it around — the inspector isn't obliged to do the repairs.
Landlords vs homeowners: who needs one and when
Landlords in England must have a satisfactory EICR for rented homes, renewed at least every five years (or sooner if the report specifies), with any C1/C2 faults fixed within 28 days. It's a legal requirement, and failure can mean fines. Scotland and Wales have their own electrical safety timelines, so check local rules.
Homeowners are not legally required to hold an EICR, but one is strongly advised every 10 years, before buying or selling, after a flood, or when an installation is old or showing signs of trouble. It's also useful evidence for insurers and buyers.
Signs you need an EICR now
Don't wait for the renewal date if you notice:
- Frequent tripping of the fuse board or RCD.
- Burning smells, scorch marks or warm sockets and switches.
- Flickering lights or buzzing from the consumer unit.
- An old fuse box with rewireable fuses rather than RCBOs.
- Rubber, lead or fabric-insulated cabling (common pre-1960s).
- You've just bought a property with no recent certificate, or completed major building work.
Regional price differences (2026)
Location has a clear effect on EICR pricing in 2026. London and the South East sit 20–30% above the national average, reflecting higher day rates and overheads, while the North and devolved nations are generally cheaper.
| Region | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| London | £180–£350 |
| South East | £160–£300 |
| Midlands | £140–£250 |
| North of England | £120–£230 |
| Scotland & Wales | £120–£240 |
Cost estimator
Estimate a ballpark EICR price based on your property size, location and electrical complexity.
This estimate is a budgeting tool, not a quote. Real prices vary — get local quotes for an accurate figure.
Get real quotesHow to save money
- Always get three written quotes and compare the circuit count and VAT, not just the bottom line.
- Ask for a fixed all-in price covering your actual number of circuits to avoid per-circuit add-ons.
- Clear access to the consumer unit, loft hatches and sockets before the electrician arrives.
- Landlords with multiple lets should negotiate a portfolio or multi-property discount.
- Get remedial work quoted separately and shop it around rather than auto-accepting the inspector's repair price.
- Book in advance rather than paying same-day or out-of-hours premiums for landlord deadlines.
- Keep your previous EICR and any minor works certificates — they speed up the next inspection.
- Don't pay extra for a glossy 'package' if all you legally need is a standard satisfactory EICR.
How long it takes
- Booking to visit: usually within a few days to two weeks.
- On-site testing: 1.5–2 hours for a flat, 2–4 hours for a typical house.
- Larger homes / HMOs: half a day or more.
- Written report issued: same day to 48 hours after the visit.
- Remedial work (if needed): landlords must complete C1/C2 fixes within 28 days.
What's usually included
- Full visual inspection of the fixed wiring, consumer unit and accessories.
- Dead and live electrical testing of every circuit.
- A documented report with C1/C2/C3/FI observation codes.
- An overall 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory' classification.
- A signed, dated certificate from a registered electrician.
What's usually extra
- Any remedial or repair work to fix faults found.
- Replacement consumer units, sockets or rewiring.
- PAT (portable appliance) testing of plug-in items.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm certification.
- Re-test or re-issue fees after remedial work (varies by firm).
How to choose the right electricians
Use an electrician registered with a government-approved competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT — registration means their work is independently assessed and the certificate will be accepted by lenders, insurers and letting agents.
- Are you registered with NICEIC or NAPIT (ask for the registration number)?
- Is the quote all-inclusive for my number of circuits, or are extras charged?
- Does the price include VAT?
- Will the report be issued on a recognised EICR certificate, not a generic checklist?
- How long will the inspection take and when will I get the written report?
- If faults are found, will you provide a separate, itemised remedial quote?
- Do you carry public liability insurance?
- Can you share recent reviews or references from similar properties?
EICR cost FAQs
How much does an EICR cost in 2026?
For most UK homes, £120–£350 for the inspection and certificate. A 1-bed flat is around £120–£180, a typical 3-bed house £180–£250, and larger houses or HMOs £300–£500+.
Is an EICR a legal requirement?
For landlords in England, yes — you must hold a satisfactory EICR renewed at least every five years and fix any C1/C2 faults within 28 days. Homeowners are not legally required to have one, but it's strongly recommended.
How often do I need an EICR?
Landlords: at least every five years (or sooner if the report says so). Owner-occupiers: roughly every 10 years, or sooner before selling, after major work or if there are warning signs.
Does the EICR price include fixing faults?
No. The fee covers inspection and the report only. Any remedial work, from a £50–£100 socket replacement to a £500–£800 consumer unit, is quoted and charged separately.
What's the difference between a satisfactory and unsatisfactory EICR?
'Unsatisfactory' means C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) faults were found and must be fixed. 'Satisfactory' means no such faults — though C3 'improvement recommended' items may still be noted.
Why are EICRs more expensive in London?
Higher electrician day rates and business overheads. London and the South East typically run 20–30% above the national average, so a job that's £180 in the Midlands might be £230–£280 in the capital.
What do C1, C2 and C3 codes mean?
C1 = danger present, immediate action needed. C2 = potentially dangerous, remedial work required. C3 = improvement recommended but not urgent. FI = further investigation needed. C1 and C2 make a report unsatisfactory.
How long does an EICR take?
Around 1.5–2 hours for a flat, 2–4 hours for a typical house, and half a day or more for large homes or HMOs. The written report usually follows within 24–48 hours.
Should I choose the cheapest EICR quote?
Not blindly. Very low prices can mean a rushed inspection or extra charges for circuits and re-tests. Compare what's included, check NICEIC or NAPIT registration, and treat suspiciously cheap quotes with caution.
What happens if my rental fails its EICR?
As a landlord you must complete the required C1/C2 remedial work within 28 days (or sooner for C1) and obtain written confirmation it's been done. Failing to act can lead to fines from the local authority.