Home Information Packs, Questions and Answers:

 

Home Information Packs (or HIPs) are now required on all properties for sale.  

 

I want to sell my house and was told that I will need a Home Information Pack. What are they?

 

The packs are to contain information that will be useful to any potential buyer.

 

Copies of title deeds, any recent planning permission or building consent given on the property, a local area search and an energy performance certificate will all be in the pack.

 

At the moment the law requires an estate agent to hold proof that a HIP has been ordered before your property can be marketed for sale. The government want to change this so the HIP has actually been compiled before your property can be marketed.

 

Energy performance certificates - what are they?

 

The idea of the certificate is that, at a glance, would-be buyers will be able to see the property's energy efficiency – similar to purchasing a fridge.  

 

The homeowner will also be presented with some tips on how the energy efficiency of their home can be improved.

 

I remember that originally HIPs were meant to contain a structural survey - has that plan been dropped?

 

Yes.

 

Last year the government announced that HIPs would, for the time being, not have to include a structural survey.

 

How will I organise getting a pack?

 

You don’t need to worry, Hattersley Estates are working in partnership with ‘HIPS Express’ who provide us with an online service.

 

We need to take details of your property, shortly after which you will get a visit from a ‘Home Energy Inspector.’ Our solicitors will then put all the required information into a HIP for your property.

 

How much will it cost?

 

Although you will need to budget around £400 for a your HIP the good news is that you wont need to worry about it now.

 

Because of the unique way in which HIPS Express charge for their service you have a choice of payment options including deferring the cost for six months or upon completion (whichever comes sooner).

 

In short we do the work for you and the whole thing should take no longer than about 5 to 7 days.........