Why you need a COC when selling — and choosing who issues it

A Certificate of Compliance (COC) proves your electrical installation meets safety standards. When you're selling, your conveyancer will ask for it, your buyer's bond application may require it, and without one you're liable if something goes wrong after handover. The question isn't whether you need it—the question is who to trust to issue it, and what actually separates a reliable option from one that cuts corners.

Most electrical work done by a registered electrician comes with a COC as standard. But if your installation is older, work was done by someone unregistered, or you're simply unsure of what was done and when, you'll need someone to come in, inspect, test and either certify it or flag what needs fixing first. That person needs to be registered with the relevant regulatory body and know exactly how to document what they find. Choosing wrong means delays at the worst time, or worse—signing off on work that isn't actually compliant.

Who can actually issue a valid COC

Not every electrician can issue a COC that will be accepted. The person issuing it must be registered as a qualified electrical inspector or have the required accreditation to certify installations. This isn't a suggestion—it's a requirement that conveyancers and bond originators will verify. Ask any candidate directly: "Are you registered to issue COCs?" and ask for their registration number. Don't accept vague answers. If they hedge or say "it shouldn't be a problem," move on. A registered electrician who does installation work is not automatically registered to inspect and certify. These are different qualifications.

Testing and documentation matter more than speed

A COC is only as good as the inspection and tests behind it. The electrician must physically test the installation—continuity, earthing, insulation resistance, and load testing where relevant—and document the results. If someone quotes you a suspiciously low price or promises to issue a COC without a thorough visit, they're not doing the job properly. Ask what testing will be done and how long the inspection will take. A residential property usually takes a few hours, not 30 minutes. Request a copy of the test report before you pay, and check that it shows actual readings, not just a checkbox. If part of the installation is faulty, a good electrician will tell you clearly—not fudge the paperwork.

Previous work and partial installations

If your electrical work was done in stages—some years ago, some recently—clarify upfront what the electrician will inspect. Are they certifying the whole installation, or only new work? If only part of the house is new and the old circuits remain unchanged, can they still issue a full COC? These aren't trick questions; they define scope and cost. A dishonest electrician might issue a blanket COC without inspecting everything. A transparent one will explain what they can and cannot certify, and why. If the old work is faulty, they should recommend fixing it before they'll sign off—that's actually the sign of someone you can trust.

Timeline and your sale deadline

Many sellers panic because they need a COC before transfer and assume it's always a rush. It doesn't have to be if you organise it early. Find someone now, get them in within the next few weeks, and you'll have it in hand before conveyancers demand it. If you're already close to transfer, be upfront about the deadline and ask if they can prioritise. Reliable electricians often have waiting lists; unreliable ones promise same-day turnaround because they're not thorough. A reasonable electrician will give you a clear timeframe—usually a few days to a couple of weeks after the inspection.

The electrician you choose should be someone who explains what they find, shows you the test results, and stands behind the certification. On Strove, you can check their registration, read what other sellers have experienced, and ask about their specific experience with COC inspections before you book. That's worth the few minutes of comparison when it comes to peace of mind and a straightforward handover.