HIPs - (Home Information Packs)

Did you know that Home Information Packs (HIPs) are now legally required if you are selling or renting your home. The HIP documents important information on the property and is available for a potential purchaser to inspect prior to committing to purchase.

Government legislation requires that
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) are mandatory for new residential letting's and sales. An EPC contains information on your home's energy use and carbon dioxide emissions plus a recommendation report with suggestions to reduce both factors.

WHY DO YOU NEED A HIP?

A HIP is a set of documents that provides the buyer with key information on the property and must be provided by the seller or the seller's agent. It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and you can't market your property without one.

The HIP lets buyers see important information about the property at the start of the process, free of charge. This means there is less chance of buyers becoming aware of any surprises at the end of the process. The HIP can help reduce delays and extra expense to the buyer and seller.

A HIP is not required for:

• Non-marketed properties, eg selling to a member of your family
• Non-residential properties
• Holiday properties with limited occupation eg 11 months per year
• Mixed sales, eg a shop with flat
• Portfolios of properties, eg selling two properties together
• Properties not being sold with vacant possession
• Unsafe or due to be demolished properties
• Properties sold through social ownership schemes

WHAT DOES A HIP CONTAIN?

The HIP is made up of required (compulsory) and authorised (optional) items. A HIP comprises:

• The Home Information Pack Index
• Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
• Energy Performance Certificate/Predicted Energy Assessment
• Sustainability information for newly built homes
• Sale statement
• Evidence of title
• Standard searches

Further details on obtaining HIP's and EPC's are available from all of our offices.