Home Information Pack Explained

What is a HIP?

The HIP is generally paid for by the seller for potential buyers and their solicitors to view. It contains a range of information, most of which was already available before the introduction of HIPs but at a much later stage in the house buying process. By providing this information upfront the process of buying and selling is streamlined since paperwork delays are avoided.

What information do HIPs contain? 

The following is taken from the 2006 HIP regulations 

  These documents must be included:

An Index page listing the contents of the pack A Sales Statement summarising terms of sale Evidence of titleAn Energy Performance Certificate (not newbuild HIPs)A Local Authority searchAn official Drainage and Water search (this is not a flood search).

  Where appropriate these documents must also be included: 

Additional commonhold information or leasehold information A New Homes Warranty For an incomplete newly built home or conversion, a Predicted Energy Assessment must be included. If the home is completed prior to the sale, as an interim measure an 'rdSAP' EPC must be included (until 6th April 2008).

 

  These documents are optional 

  Those documents marked with a * are included in our packs.

Guarantees and warranties* A legal summaryThe Home Use Form*The Home Contents Form*A Home Condition Report Other searches

HIP timeline and requirements

Currently, all properties regardless of bedroom number sold in England and Wales will need to have ordered a Home Information Pack before the property can be put on the market. Please note that exceptions apply.

From 6th April 2008 Commerical Energy Assessors will need to have produced a Commercial EPC on all commercial property with a floor area greater than 10000m2. SAP Assessors will also need to produce Newbuild EPCs from this date for the sale of all newly built homes. The Newbuild EPC will replace the 'Predicted Energy Assessment' currently used as an interim document in HIPs.

From 1st June 2008 the Index, Sales Statement, EPC and Title Information (not the Epitome of Title) as a minimum must be avaliable rather than just ordered before a residential property can be marketed for sale.

From 1st July 2008 EPCs will be needed on the construction, sale or rent of all buildings other than dwellings with a floor area greater than 2500m2.

1st October 2008 is the date from which EPCs will be required for all domestic rental properties. This includes social (council) housing. Rental EPCs will last for ten years and will be needed before a new tenancy starts with a new tenant.  All public buildings with a floor area greater than 1000m2 will also need a Display EPC from this date. In addition, HIPs will be required on all residential sales.

 

   The Government's website has further details:

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