Buyers are now asking about EV chargers
Something shifted in UK property viewings over the past couple of years. Alongside the broadband speed and boiler age, buyers are increasingly asking: "Does it have an EV charger?" Rightmove has reported a significant uptick in "EV charger" appearing in both property search terms and listing descriptions, and London estate agents are now treating a fitted charger as a standard convenience feature in the way a dishwasher once was.
The reason is straightforward: over 2 million EVs are now registered in the UK, and most owners want to charge at home. A property that already has a charger removes one barrier and signals a well-maintained, future-ready home to any EV-driving buyer.
How much value can a charger add?
Figures vary depending on location and property type, but estate agent commentary and property research consistently points to a similar range:
- Multiple regional agents estimate EV charger installations add between £3,000 and £5,000 to property values in urban and suburban areas.
- In London, where off-street parking is scarce and driveway properties command a premium, the uplift skews toward the higher end of that range.
- New-build homes in England are now required by building regulations to have EV charging infrastructure pre-installed. A retrofitted charger on an older property brings it in line with that expectation, removing a negotiating point for buyers.
There is one caveat worth knowing: a poorly fitted charger, or one installed without correct certification, can actually create a problem at sale. A surveyor who finds a non-compliant installation may flag it as a defect rather than an asset. Quality of installation matters as much as the charger itself.
What buyers and surveyors actually check
If you are thinking of selling, or you want an installation to hold its value over time, here is what buyers and their surveyors will look for:
- Brand and model: A recognised charger from a brand with a UK service presence (Ohme, Andersen, Wallbox, Zappi, Easee) carries more weight than a generic unit. Buyers can check that the product is still supported with software updates and that spare parts exist.
- Installation certificate: Every charger installed by a qualified electrician comes with a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. Keep this document as part of your property's certification pack. If it is missing, a buyer's solicitor may request it before exchange.
- Smart features: Since June 2022, all new home EV chargers sold in the UK must be smart by law, meaning they include scheduling, off-peak charging, and app control. A smart charger will always be preferable to an older dumb charge point in a buyer's eyes.
- Cable management and finish: A neat installation with conduit trunking and tidy cable runs signals quality workmanship. Exposed wiring draped across a wall does the opposite, and a surveyor will note it.
- Position: Chargers mounted close to the parking space, with enough cable length to reach both sides of the car on the drive, score higher. Awkward installations that require threading a lead under a gate or across a path lose marks.
Can you claim the OZEV grant before you sell?
Yes, and it makes sense to do so while the scheme is still running. The OZEV Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme provides up to £500 toward a home charger installation for eligible properties. The grant is tied to the property, not the individual, so a charger installed using the grant and then included in a house sale is entirely legitimate. You capture the value without paying full installation price.
Eligibility has broadened in recent years. If your property has a driveway or dedicated off-street parking, you are very likely to qualify. Flats and rental properties may also qualify under separate sub-schemes. The full eligibility criteria is published on GOV.UK.
What about rented properties?
London landlords are increasingly looking at EV chargers as a way to attract and retain quality tenants. A charger differentiates a listing in a competitive rental market and can justify a small monthly premium. HMRC currently allows landlords to claim the cost of an EV charger installation as an allowable expense, making the net cost lower than the headline figure suggests.
For landlords managing multiple properties or a commercial site, Plug In Stations offers commercial installation services including multi-unit installs and load management systems that share a single supply across several bays.
Thinking about adding a charger before you sell?
