Home Information Packs (HIP’s) contain important information that buyers and sellers need to know. The  Packs including Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) were implemented on a phased basis which started on 1 August 2007. 

With effect from 14th December 2007 all properties put on the market will require a Home Information Pack regardless of number of bedrooms. This will complete the phased roll out of Hips across the whole market.

The transitional provisions relating to first day marketing have been extended from 1st January 2008 to 1st June 2008. This means that a property can be put on the market as soon as a Hip has been ordered and payment or a commitment to pay has been taken.

For leasehold properties put on the market from 14th December 2007 a copy of the lease only will need to be put in the Hip. This is of course in addition to the other elements of the Hip which apply regardless of whether the property is freehold or leasehold. It will not be necessary to apply for other leasehold  information eg details of ground rent service charges etc. This provision will apply for six months from 14th December 2007.

 

HIPs for new properties will be rolled out from April 2008.

 

No "drop dead date" has as yet been announced. This means that for the time being properties put on the market before the relevant date (ie  4 beds + 1st August, 3 beds+ 10th September and 1 and 2 beds 14th December) will not require a Hip provided that they have been continuously on the market.

 

What does a Pack contain?

 

The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack.

Some documents in the Home Information Pack are optional. These include:

For sellers, providing a Pack upfront should speed up the conveyance process and reduce the likelihood of any nasty surprises when selling that could delay the sale.

For buyers, the Pack provides essential information about properties they are considering buying, free of charge. buyers will be able to make more informed decisions about purchasing their new home.