HIPS / Home Information Packs.

What are HIPs?

HIPs are Home Information Packs and they were introduce by the government as legal obligation on home owners or their selling agents to have available when marketing homes for sale.

Home Information Packs have been introduced to provide important information to prospective purchasers at the start of their search for a new home, giving complete transparency on key issues relating to the property.

All properties marketed for sale since the 14th of December 2007 in England and Wales will require a Home Information Pack. No decision has yet been made about properties in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What Will a Home Improvement Pack contain?

• A sale statement ( the terms of the sale )

• Evidence of the title.

• Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage ad water search).

• An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).

• Where appropriate common hold information.

• Where appropriate a copy of the lease.

Optional information that can be found in the Home Information Pack:

• HCR (Home Condition Report)

• Additional lease hold information

• Guarantees and warranties

• Other Searches relevant to the particular area

• Where appropriate common hold information.

• Where appropriate a copy of the lease.

Frequently asked questions

Who compiles HIPs?

Sellers can do it themselves, use specialist companies who compile HIPs, solicitors or estate agents.

Click here to view a selection of surveyors from our providers directory.

Am I required to provide a Home Improvement Pack if Iam selling my home privately?

If you are marketing your property you are duty bound to provide a Home Improvement Pack.

What is an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)?

An energy performance certificate will give prospective purchaser an easy to read guide to the likely energy costs of occupying the property in a similar that current white goods have an efficiency label.

It is part of an EU directive that requires an energy certificate for all dwellings at the time of sale and promotes improvements in the energy performance of buildings.

What is an HCR (Home Condition Report)?

The home condition Report is a mid ranged survey similar in detail to the current homebuyers survey and valuation report. It does however not include a valuation.

As a buyer do I have to pay for the report?

No. The seller is responsible for the cost of the Home Information Pack.