Auctions
Can the electrical installation be inspected before an auction?
Before an auction, the practical question is whether anyone can open the property in time. If they cannot, the inspection waits until access exists.
Reviewed 6 October 2026 by Michael (Technical Supervisor) and George Opsenica (Director, Codeex Maintenance Ltd). General guidance, not a reading of your own report and not legal advice.
Review details
- Michael: electrical guidance within the recorded review scope.
- George Opsenica: service information and presentation.
Access decides the timing
1. Before bidding
An inspection before bidding is possible only when someone can give access before the auction.
2. No access
If nobody can open the property, the inspection cannot be carried out before the sale.
3. After completion
The visit can be arranged after completion, once access exists.
What the inspection can establish
An EICR describes the installation that could be reached on the day of the inspection.
A satisfactory outcome describes that inspection. It does not guarantee the condition of the installation later.
The report is not a building survey, and it is not advice on the auction contract.
Ask your conveyancer which electrical records are needed for your auction purchase; arrange any inspection around the access and transaction deadline.
If you already have a description of the boards or a previous report, send that with the request. It is background, not a substitute for access.
Arrange it once access is known
When you know whether access is before bidding or after completion, arrange the visit through the homeowner service.
Related pages
Access decides whether the visit can happen first.
If the property cannot be opened, arrange the inspection after completion.
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- From £142.80 inc VAT
- EICR usually ready within 24h