HIPs

SalesLettings

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What is a HIP?

In August 2007, the Government introduced legislation aimed at facilitating the home buying process for both Vendors and Buyers. The legislation led to the introduction of Home Information Packs, or HIP's, for all properties. What this effectively means is that, in order to market your property, you will require a Home Information Pack.

Who is responsible for providing an HIP?

This is down to the individual responsible for marketing the property which will be, in most cases, the Estate Agent instructed by the Vendor, but can actually be the Vendor themselves. The HIP must have been commissioned by the responsible party by the time the property is placed on the market and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), together with any other relevant documents, must be provided upon request.

What documents are required in the HIP?

EPC – this is a compulsory document provided by a Domestic Energy Assessor or Home Inspector (who should be registered or approved) usually a member of the HIP Code and signed up to the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB).
The EPC gives details of the energy efficiency of the property and will also offer advice on how to improving energy efficiency, cutting emissions and fuel bills.

Index of Contents – this should also include explanations for any missing documents.

Sales Statement – a summary of the terms of sale, usually drawn up by a solicitor or conveyancer instructed by the Vendor.

Evidence of Title – if the property is registered, this will take the form of official copies of the register or title plan (copies of which are available from the Land Registry Office and usually subject to a fee. If the property is not registered, the documents required will be the official result of a search of the index map (SIM), again available at the Land Registry Office for a fee. In some instances, it may be necessary to also include whatever documents are relied on to show that the Vendor has title or the right to sell.

Local search – conducted either through the local Land Charges Department of the Local Authority or the National Land Information Service (NLIS) or a personal search company.

Drainage and water searches – through the local water supplier or NLIS or personal search company.

Leasehold or Common hold documents – where appropriate.

Home condition Report – this is an optional report conducted by a Home Inspector which gives details of the condition of the property.

Any guarantees or warranties

Home Contents or Uses forms – again these are an optional extra which the Vendor may wish to provide.

Additional searches - i.e. mining, environmental or flood risk required in particular areas.

How do I organise/obtain an HIP?

Through our longstanding and well established connections with local solicitors/specialist pack providers, we are able to assist you in providing your Home Information Pack and Energy Performance Certificate in accordance with HIP Regulations. We will advise you on what documents are required and will assist with the appointment of your DEA/Home Inspector, thus taking the stress out of making your own arrangements. The cost of providing the HIP will be advised by, and payable to, the third party.

What HIPs mean for you as the Vendor

The HIP provides key information needed by a potential buyer prior to commencement of the home buying process and is designed to ensure a much smoother and quicker process. It allows the potential buyer to view all relevant documents before making an offer and provides answers to several key questions. A HIP ensures that your sale will not be hampered or delayed by local searches or the obtaining of crucial documents necessary for exchange of contracts.

Cost for the Vendor

The cost of a HIP is set by the Home Information Pack provider, whilst the overall costs of buying and selling are similar to those prior to the introduction of the HIP, these costs are more evenly distributed.

Please contact your local office for up to date information on cost.

What HIP means for the Buyer

The Home Information Pack (HIP) provided important information crucial to assisting the buyer in the decision of whether to proceed with the purchase of a new property.

You should ask us for a copy of the HIP for any property you are interested in and check that this is complete and that a satisfactory reason is given in the Index for any missing documents. We will obviously also assist in ensuring that any such documents are provided to you upon request as soon as possible.
EPC provides information in respect of the energy efficiency of the property and may include further details regarding recommended improvements relating to cutting of carbon emissions or fuel bills.

The HIP may also contain a Home Condition report which is an objective report voluntarily commissioned by the Vendor on the condition of the property.
Other documents included in the HIP are the results of searches and evidence of title.