Why was the HIP introduced?
It is estimated that 1 in 4 transactions fall through due to information coming to light after a formal offer has been made.The Government's intention is to help improve the home buying and selling process and reduce the number of these failed transactions.

Nine out of ten consumers are unhappy with the current conveyancing process. The packs will also assist first time buyers in that it will be less expensive for them to get a foot on the property ladder.

What's in a Home Information Pack?
The Pack contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know and this can be grouped into two categories:

Required (compulsory) documents

Authorised (optional) documents
Other searches relevant to the particular area:

Do I need a HIP before I sell my property?
Yes and No. You or the agent marketing your property will need to have proof that a HIP has been ordered but need not necessarily have a completed pack.

This is a temporary relaxing of the requirement until June 2008 when you will need a pack before putting your property on the market.

EcoHIP™ provides an official letter of proof to the seller or agent immediately the pack has been paid for.

Who owns the pack?
This would depend on a number of factors. Under normal circumstances, if you request the HIP directly from us and pay for it then you would own it.

However, if you have signed a contract with a marketing agent saying otherwise then the terms of that contract would probably take precedence. Whether the HIP could be moved from one agent to another would, again, depend on the above.

I have seen offered a free HIP, so why do I have to pay?
Sellers beware! Take a good look at the small print and ask questions.

Who is responsible for providing a HIP to the buyer?
Once you have made the HIP available to the marketing agent it becomes their responsibility to provide the HIP to the prospective buyer.

When marketing a property privately, the responsibility will be on the seller.

Once the pack is completed you will automatically receive a printed copy, and an electronic copy if an email address has been supplied.

We will send your marketing agent an electronic version of the HIP upon your request and at no extra cost to you.

Can I change Estate Agent?
Yes. You can market your property through any estate agent and on your request we will send them an electronic copy at no extra charge to you.

Do I have to pay for the pack upfront?
We offer sellers the option of either paying upfront for the pack or, for a one-off charge, deferring the payment for up to 10 months.

Do I still need a solicitor?
Yes. The HIP does not replace the need for legal representation. We will gather all the required information for a legal expert to consider on behalf of their client.

What determines private selling or marketing?
If a property is put on the market for sale, is advertised or otherwise made known to the public or a "section of the public" in England and Wales.

Family members or small defined groups of people would not be considered a "section of the public" for these purposes.

I have only had the property for a short while do I need a HIP?
Yes, even if you have only owned a property for a short while. In theory you could have made some additions or alterations to the property (this also applies to buy to flip investors).

I have taken my property off the market for a while. Do I need to purchase a new HIP?
The HIP does not need to be renewed if marketing stops and then restarts within a year of first being put on the market. You can voluntarily renew documents if they are so out of date to be of little use to potential buyers.

Where can I get further information?
More information can be obtained from The Department for Communities and Local Government click here

Goverment FAQs on compliance
FAQs

How do I know if the documents are out of date?
These documents must not be more than three months old when the property is first marketed:

The Energy Performance Certificate must not be more than 12 months old at the first point of marketing.

I don't think I am going to get a HIP!
Legally, contracts may not be exchanged until, at the very least, an EPC has been made available, and any agent marketing the property will fall foul of the Law if proof of purchase is not obtained

How do I know if they are a good HIP provider?
Good question. Well, if you are reading this, you will certainly be in the right place. We believe in offering the consumer choice and independence. But don't take our word for it.

First check that they are:

The PCCB independently monitors compliance with the Code by property search and HIP providers.

Am I protected if the contents of the HIP are incorrect?
Ensure your pack provider is signed up to the Property Code Compliance Board PCCB

This will provide you with the assurance that they will:-

You should also check that the agent marketing your property belongs to an approved redress scheme such as the Ombudsman for Estate Agents Scheme thereby offering you further protection.

What formats are the HIPs supplied in?
We supply in printed copy and electronic copy, as standard; CD or USB formats cost extra. Additional printed copies can be requested if purchased when placing an order.

Can I track the progress of my HIP ?
Yes, you will be provided with a user name and password for online tracking.

How long will it take to produce my Pack?
This is dependent upon access being granted to the property for the energy assessor to undertake their work, and the local council authority providing access to the relevant legal information promptly. We are currently averaging a 7-day turnaround.

Do all properties require a HIP?
Certain properties do not require HIPs. The regulations relating to these can be quite complicated so if in doubt please specifically check with us.

The following is a summary of the main categories of excluded properties:

Non-residential properties

Properties with tenants who will remain after completion of the sale

Seasonal and holiday accommodation

Mixed sales (i.e. shop/flat)

Dual use of dwelling house, where the primary use is commercial

Portfolio of sales (multiple properties)

Unsafe properties

Properties marked for demolition and redevelopment

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An EPC is an energy rating which works on similar lines to the rating shown on the front of electrical appliances such as fridges.

The EPC will provide a scale of A-G giving the current efficiency of the property and its potential rating. It will also include recommendations as to how the energy efficiency of the property can be improved.

What is a Home Condition Report ?
HCRs are produced by fully qualified Home Inspectors, who have to be members of a Government-approved scheme. They provide an unbiased report on the condition of the home, which interested parties have a legal right to rely on as an authoritative report. Home Inspectors are able to carry out HCRs on the same visit they make for the purposes of an energy performance certificate, which means that they can be cheaper than a stand alone survey.

HCRs offer a number of benefits. They provide sellers with the opportunity to carry out repair work or obtain quotes prior to marketing. Buyers are informed early in the process about the condition of the property and any repairs they may choose to make. Lenders can also benefit by using the report to inform their valuations, reducing the need to repeat detailed on-site inspection at the buyer’s expense.