What steps should I take if I am selling my home with an installed EV charger?

If you are selling your home in the UK and have an electric vehicle (EV) charging station installed, there are practical steps to take to handle the charger properly while maximising your property’s appeal and value.

1. Decide Whether to Leave the EV Charger or Remove It

• Leaving the charger installed is generally recommended. Many buyers who own or plan to buy an EV will see an installed charger as a valuable selling point. Given that the number of electric vehicles on UK roads has quadrupled in the last two years, demand for homes with EV chargers is increasing. This can add potentially £3,000 to £5,000 to your property’s value and boost buyer interest.
• Removing the charger and taking it with you is possible but often not worth the hassle, expense, and effort. Uninstalling requires a qualified electrician and the new home may need a new installation complying with local rules, which can be costly. Also, government grants such as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) only apply to new installations, so the new owner may prefer to install their own charger suited to their EV.

2. Inform Prospective Buyers About the EV Charger

• Highlight the charger in your property listing to attract EV owners. Mention the charger type, power rating, and any smart features (e.g., app control, energy monitoring).
• Provide documentation for the charger installation, including warranties, maintenance history, and any certification to reassure buyers of its safety and quality.

3. Check Local Authority and Planning Regulations

• Normally, you do not need specific planning permission to install or leave an EV charger, but exceptions exist, especially if your property is a listed building, in a conservation area, or has on-street parking restrictions.
• Contact your local authority to confirm the rules to ensure compliance and avoid any problems for the buyer.

4. Consider the Impact on Sale Price and Negotiations

• An installed EV charger can improve the market value and appeal of your home, especially in urban or suburban areas where public charging infrastructure might be limited.
• However, some buyers who do not own EVs or have no plans to use one may consider it unnecessary and might factor this into negotiating the price.
• Be prepared to discuss this openly and possibly include the charger as a feature rather than a separate item.

5. Prepare for the Transition

• If you plan to move into a new home and continue using an EV charger, consider the advantage of selling your current home with the charger included and budgeting to install a new, potentially upgraded charger at the new property.
• This approach can be more cost-effective and less complex than relocating your existing charger.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Not mentioning the EV charger to potential buyers: This is a missed opportunity to increase interest and value.
• Attempting to uninstall the charger without professional help: This can risk damage to the property’s electrical system and void any warranties.
• Ignoring local regulations: Overlooking planning permissions or building restrictions can cause delays or legal issues in the sale.
• Underestimating the charger’s value: With EV numbers rising fast, its appeal and added value can be significant in certain markets.

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Real-World Example

For instance, a homeowner in a suburban London area where EV ownership is high listed their property with an installed 7 kW home charger. This attracted multiple bids quickly, including from buyers already driving EVs or planning to buy one. The seller noted the charger as an upgrade that saved the buyer installation cost and effort, helping close the sale above the asking price.

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Following these steps can help UK homeowners and small business owners sell their property equipped with an EV charger, turning it into a practical selling advantage aligned with the growing transition to electric vehicles.