HIPs

HIPs (Home Information Packs) being commissioned became obligatory, under UK law, for all properties being marketed from 14th Dec 2007. Whilst criteria has varied and having been introduced gradually, from the 6th of April 2009 the HIP will need to be made available to potential buyers the moment the property comes onto the market.

Information about HIPs

What is a HIP?

HIP stands for Home Information Pack and has been introduced by the Government to provide more initial information with the intention of speeding up the sale process. It will include various documents including Energy Performance Certificate(EPC), Local Authority Search and management information (where applicable).

Packs will be valid for the whole period of marketing. If a seller withdraws the property from the market and then remarkets the property at a later date, the seller will not have to revise the HIP where re-marketing is within one year of the original date.

The content of the HIP

Compulsory Documents:

1. Index of Documents.
   
   
2. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
   
   
3. Sales Statement Tenure and Ownership.
   
   
4. Land Registry copies (evidence of Title and Title Plan).
   
   
5. Local Authority Search and Drainage/Water Searches.
   
   
6. Lease Service Charge and Ground Rent Details.
   
   
7. Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)*

* the PIQ is to be completed by the seller, providing simple, useful information about the property.

View and Download PIQ (PDF format)

N.B. – Please note that the seller has a 28 day grace period to include documents that may take longer to obtain i.e. – searches and or a copy of the lease.

Optional Documents:

1. Home Conditions Report (HCR) rates the condition of the property for the seller on a scale of 1-3 with comments and recommendations.
   
   
2. Home Use Form (HUF) covering further legal items.
   
   
3. Home Contents Form (HCF) listing fixtures and fittings included in the sale.
   
   
4. Legal Summary - List of Authorised Documents.

There are other compulsory documents such as the Local Authority Search and documents for leasehold properties but these will be given 28 days grace in the early stages of HIPs. The Home Condition Report (HCR) is optional at introduction of HIPs, however the Government encourage these and are likely to make them compulsory. New build flats and houses will not need a HCR because the 'condition' of these properties will be clear.

Charges

The cost of a HIP will vary depending on the size and age of the property. Whether it is registered title or not, leasehold and whether a Home Condition Report (HCR) is commissioned. Without the Home Condition Report the costs are most likely to be in the region of £300/400 plus VAT. Lawson Rutter offer a flexible approach to who organises and pays for this ensuring that whatever solution is adopted, it is in the best interests of the clients.

We will be happy to discuss our HIPs policy either prior to or at the point of instruction. Please do not heaitate to contact us for any further information.