News
Home Information Packs
From 6 April 2009 important changes are being introduced, both to the content of the Home Information Packs and to make them available at the first point a property is marketed.
The changes are:
- introduction of the new Property Information Questionnaire
- removal of the temporary first day marketing concession and;
- all searches, whether produced by a local authority or personal search company must be complete with no gaps in the data covered by insurance
Introduction
A Home Information Pack (HIP) is now required for most homes put on the market with vacant possession on or after 14 December 2007.
Anyone marketing a home for sale in England and Wales, whether they are an estate agent or auctioneer, a housing developer, or a private individual is responsible for ensuring that a HIP is in place and made available to potential buyers.
HIPs are designed to bring information upfront to increase certainty and inform buyers about a property before they incur costs. Informed choice by buyers at the start of the process will help reduce delays later on and reduce wasted time for sellers.
The legislative background to HIPs
Home Information Packs were introducted by the Housing Act 2004 (external link) in sections 154 - 159 and the Home Information Pack (No. 2) Regulations 2007 (as amended) (external link).
The Regulations and associated procedural guidance can be found in the chronological list of publications about Home Information Packs.
From 6 April 2009 the the documents required to be in the HIP are:
- Index
- Property Information Questionnaire
- Energy Performance Certificate/PEA
- Sustainability information (new homes only)
- Sale statement
- Evidence of title
- Standard searches
- Lease (where appropriate)
Further Information
If you are involved in the property industry further information about Home Information Packs is available at: www.businesslink.gov.uk/homeinformationpacks