Survey advices EICR - do we need to do it before moving in?

to_be_FTB

Hi All, our Survey (Level 2) advises getting EICR (electrical installation condition report). Would the cost of this report would fall on (buyers) us or on the seller? If it is us, do we need to do this before moving in? Is it an issue for the insurance? Lender?
We would not be surprised if the electrics are not in a great shape and we were planning to do some rewiring anyway...

MaryNB

Entirely your cost. No reason to get it done other than for your own information.

It's only a legal requirement if you want to let the property. 

purplebutterfly

We had it done because there we wanted to know if there was anything costly that would need doing - ie a full re-wire.

It cost £150 and set our minds at ease because we didn't want to have to do any work.

user1977

Neither the insurers nor lenders will care. Well, they might if you actually know the place is a deathtrap, but I'm assuming it's just the standard caveat surveyors add to their reports.

to_be_FTB

All right! Thanks! I think it's a standard "old property with old wires" and since I'm preparing for some refurb I would rather avoid the additional costs now, so that's good to know!

saajan_12

to_be_FTB said:

Hi All, our Survey (Level 2) advises getting EICR (electrical installation condition report). - is this on the back of a potential issue they've spotted, or just a standard "checking electricals isn't included in the service, get it separately if you want" as they'd tell everyone? More likely the latter. 
Would the cost of this report would fall on (buyers) us or on the seller? - buyer's cost, as with any other survey
If it is us, do we need to do this before moving in? - well if it would form part of your decision to buy, then before exchange. If you're happy to go ahead based on what you know, then you could do it later just to find out what needs doing, or skip it all together. 
Is it an issue for the insurance? Lender? - unlikely, unless there's an issue flagged already. 
We would not be surprised if the electrics are not in a great shape and we were planning to do some rewiring anyway...

Most likely this is a standard disclaimer as a survey doesn't include checking electricals, but doesn't necessarily imply that there is / isn't an issue. From your last sentence, you're not scared of some works, so can leave it to whenever, or even let your rewirer check it out without needing a formal report. 

Falafels

If you're planning on rewiring anyway, I wouldn't worry about it. Your electrician will tell you about your electrics soon enough; otherwise it's just a piece of paper which could cost upwards of £100.

As has been said elsewhere, RICS surveyors always recommend one because they themselves aren't qualified to judge.