What is a Home Information Pack – Do I have to have a HIP?

The Government introduced HIPs as part House Act 2004 and as part of wider reforms to cut CO2 emissions from homes and improve the process of buying and selling property in England and Wales.

A HIP is a set of documents, which provides important information about a property, such as its energy efficiency, boundary ownership and approved planning permissions.

One aim of the HIP is to provide information earlier in the process, to improve the speed and conclusion of transactions and reduce wasted costs.

After a phased implementation from the 14th December 2006 residential properties being sold in England and Wales will require a HIP.

The Government department responsible for the implementation of HIPS is Communities and Local Government (CLG), with ultimate responsible laying with the Housing Minster Ruth Kelly.

In the region of 30% of property sales in the UK fall through causing frustration and expense for all involved. Providing information up front will enable potential purchasers to make a more informed decision much earlier in the process.

An Energy Performance Certificate is required in every pack, which provides a specific energy 'rating' and comments and advice on how the property could be made more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

A Home information Pack will not be required under the following circumstances.

Properties where there is no marketing (e.g. sale to member of your family)

Non-residential properties

Seasonal and holiday accommodation

Mixed sales (e.g. shop with flat)

Right to buy and similar sales

Sales of portfolios of properties

Properties not being sold with completely vacant possession

Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished

For more information about whether your property requires a HIP contact Your Hip Solutions.

Click here for a yourhipsolution quotation.