Top 7 Electrical Upgrades That Increase Property Value in the UK (2025)

Introduction to The Top 7 Electrical Upgrades That Increase Property Value in the UK:

Why Electrics Matter So Much to Buyers in 2025

When buyers walk into a property in 2025, they’re not just looking at the kitchen and bathroom – they’re also quietly asking:

- Is this home safe?

- Will I need to spend thousands on the electrics after I move in?

- Is it energy efficient and future-proof?

Survey reports and Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) can make or break a sale. Outdated consumer units, lack of sockets, old wiring, and poor lighting often lead to price negotiations or even buyers walking away.

The good news? A few carefully chosen electrical upgrades can:

- Increase your property’s value and appeal

- Reduce the chance of nasty surprises on the survey

- Make your home feel more modern, efficient, and future-ready

In this post, we’ll look at the Top 7 Electrical Upgrades That Increase Property Value in the UK homeowners are using in 2025 to boost property value – and how to prioritise them.

1. Upgrade Your Consumer Unit (Fuse Board) to Modern Standards

Old fuse boxes with rewireable fuses or basic MCBs are a red flag for buyers, surveyors, and insurers.

A modern consumer unit with:

- RCD / RCBO protection

- Surge protection

- Proper labelling and certification

…instantly improves the safety profile of your home.

Why this increases property value

- Peace of mind for buyers – reduces the chance a survey flags “electrics require upgrading,” which can trigger price negotiations.

- Insurance and compliance – modern boards are expected in many properties, especially rentals.

- Basis for future upgrades – EV chargers, extra circuits, and outdoor supplies all rely on a safe, capable consumer unit.

Ideal timing

If your consumer unit is more than 20 years old, or you still have fuses instead of switches, this is usually the first upgrade to consider.

2. Add More Sockets & Replace Tired Wiring

Extension leads everywhere? That’s a sign the house hasn’t kept up with modern life.

What this upgrade includes:

- Adding extra double sockets in living rooms, bedrooms, and home office spaces

- Replacing obviously old or damaged outlets

- In some cases, a partial or full rewire if the existing wiring is very old or fails inspection

Why this increases property value

- Everyday convenience – Buyers notice when they don’t need to run extension leads for TVs, laptops, or chargers.

- Safety – Overloaded extension leads are a fire risk. Properly designed circuits reduce this risk.

- Future-proofing – Helpful for working from home, gaming setups, and growing families.

Signs you may need more than just “a few sockets”

- Old-style round-pin sockets

- Rubber or fabric-covered wiring

- Sockets that feel loose, cracked, or warm to the touch

If these show up on an electrical inspection, buyers may demand a reduction in asking price for a rewire. Doing it before you sell can put you in a stronger negotiating position.

3. Switch to LED & Layered Lighting

Lighting has a huge impact on how a home feels, and buyers feel that instantly.

Key lighting upgrades

- Switching old halogen or CFL bulbs to LED

- Adding downlights in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways

- Feature lighting: under-cabinet strips, mirror lighting, or stair lights

Why this increases property value

- Lower running costs – LEDs use far less energy than halogens, helping with energy bills.

- Modern look – Good lighting makes rooms feel bigger, cleaner, and more expensive.

- Better EPC appeal – More efficient lighting is a simple tick in the energy-efficiency box.

4. Install Smart Controls (Lighting, Heating & Security)

Smart homes are no longer a luxury – they’re becoming a buyer expectation, especially in newer or renovated properties.

Popular smart upgrades

- Smart thermostats to fine-tune heating and reduce bills

- Smart light switches or bulbs for scenes and remote control

- Smart doorbells and cameras for added security

- Smart plugs for controlling devices from your phone

Why this increases property value

- Perceived “high-tech” feel – Adds a modern “wow” factor.

- Energy savings – Being able to control heating and lighting remotely is attractive to budget-conscious buyers.

- Lifestyle appeal – Buyers can picture themselves living more comfortably and conveniently.

5. Add an EV Charge Point (Where Parking Allows)

With electric vehicle ownership growing every year, homes that can charge EVs at home stand out.

Why buyers love EV charge points

- Convenience – No need to rely on public chargers.

- Future-proofing – Even if the buyer doesn’t own an EV yet, they may be planning to.

- Rental appeal – For landlords, an EV-ready property can widen the pool of potential tenants.

What’s involved

A proper EV charger installation includes:

- A dedicated circuit from the consumer unit

- Appropriate RCD/RCBO protection

- Notification to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), where required

- Correct mounting and weatherproofing outdoors

If you have a driveway or off-street parking, this is one of the strongest value-adding upgrades you can make for the next 5–10 years.

6. Upgrade Garden & Outdoor Electrics

Outdoor space has become much more important since the rise of working from home and staycations.

Outdoor upgrades that add appeal

- Weatherproof outdoor sockets for garden tools, hot tubs, or patios

- Garden and pathway lighting for safety and ambience

- Power to sheds, garden offices, or outbuildings

- Properly installed supplies for summerhouses, bars, or gyms

Why this increases property value

- Maximises usable space – A well-lit, powered garden feels like an extra “room.”

- Home office potential – Powered outbuildings and garden offices are a big plus for remote workers.

- Safety – Professionally installed outdoor electrics are far safer than DIY extension leads running through windows.

7. Prepare for Solar & Battery (Or Install Now)

Even if you’re not ready to install solar panels and a battery today, future-proofing your electrics can be a smart move.

Possible upgrades

- Ensuring your consumer unit and main tails can handle additional demand

- Providing a suitable location and wiring routes for a future battery

- Creating dedicated circuits or space for solar PV connections

Why this increases property value

- Energy-conscious buyers will see clear potential to add solar PV and batteries in future.

- If you do install solar and a battery now, a more efficient, lower-bill home can often justify a higher asking price compared to similar properties without it.

How Much Value Can Electrical Upgrades Add?

There’s no single number – it depends on your area, property type, and overall condition.

But electrical upgrades can:

- Prevent value being chipped away during buyers’ negotiations

- Help your property stand out in listings (e.g. “EV charger”, “Smart home-ready”, “New consumer unit”)

- Improve survey outcomes, which keeps sales from falling through

Which Electrical Upgrades Should You Prioritise?

If you’re on a budget, here’s a sensible order to consider:

1. Safety first

- Modern consumer unit

- Fixing obvious defects

- Addressing issues raised on an EICR

2. Function and convenience

- Extra sockets

- Replacing damaged accessories

- Improving lighting in key rooms

3. Added value & future-proofing

- Smart controls

- EV charge point

- Outdoor power and lighting

- Solar-ready wiring

You don’t need to do everything at once. A good electrician can help you plan upgrades in stages so you’re spreading the cost while steadily increasing your property’s appeal.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an EICR before selling my house?

It’s not legally mandatory for owner-occupiers in the same way it is for many rentals, but an up-to-date EICR can be very reassuring for buyers and helps avoid last-minute surprises on surveys.

Will I have to redecorate after electrical work?

Some upgrades (like adding new sockets or rewiring) may require chasing into walls, which will need filling and repainting. Smaller jobs, like changing the consumer unit or swapping light fittings, usually have minimal cosmetic impact.

Are electrical upgrades tax deductible for landlords?

For landlords, certain works may be treated as allowable expenses or capital improvements, depending on the nature of the work and your individual tax situation. It’s always best to check with an accountant for up-to-date advice.

How do I know if my consumer unit needs replacing?

Signs include:

- Old-style fuse wires instead of modern switches

- No RCD/RCBO protection

- Labelled as very old or unsuitable on an EICR

If you’re unsure, booking an EICR or safety check is a good starting point.

Based in Ashford, Kent or Nearby? Let’s Talk

We are fully qualified electricians based in Ashford, Kent and we cover the surrounding areas, Wye, Kennington, Tenterden, Maidstone and Canterbury, available evenings and weekends, and we specialise in:

- Consumer unit upgrades

- Additional sockets and lighting

- Smart home and EV charge point installations

- Outdoor power and garden lighting

- Making homes safer, more modern, and more attractive to buyers