Home Information Packs

What is a HIP?

The government are introducing HIPs in an attempt to improve the process of buying and selling property in England and Wales and to improve the environment through energy awareness. A Home Information Pack will include essential information about a property which was previously not made available to the buyer until later in the process. It will also include an Energy Performance Certificate, rating each property, and highlighting ways to save energy. By making this information available upfront, the intention is to speed up the process of buying and selling property. A Home Condition Report (similar to a survey) can be included as an optional extra, as can guarantees and warranties. HIPs have been tested extensively before the decision to roll out nationally was taken.

What does a HIP include?

The Pack must contain at least the following:

• An Energy Performance Certificate, rating the property on a scale of A to G and suggesting ways to improve its energy consumption. This must be produced by a member of the Government approved certification scheme.
• An index of contents
• A sale statement
• Evidence of title (for registered properties)
• Searches and leasehold/commonhold documents (or proof that these have been commissioned).

The following documents are also compulsory, but can be added to the Pack later if there are delays in obtaining them:

• Evidence of title (for unregistered properties)
• Searches
• Leasehold/commonhold documents.

Additional documents which can be included are:

• A Home Condition Report, similar to a survey.
• Guarantees and warranties
• Other searches.

Are there any properties that don't need a HIP?

Initially, properties already on the market before August 1st 2007 won't need a HIP, so there's a good incentive to get your property advertised today! Packs for smaller properties will be phased in over time scale to be announced by the Government, so eventually HIPs will be compulsory for all properties.

There are also a number of cases where a HIP will not be required at all.

• Properties where there is no marketing (e.g. sale to member of the family)
• Non-residential properties
• Seasonal and holiday accommodation
• Mixed sales (e.g. shop with flat)
• Right to buy sales
• Sales of portfolios of properties
• Properties not being sold with completely vacant possession
• Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished.

How will Smart Step be able to help me with HIPs?

Smart Step is one of Bradford only Estate Agents and who are also HIP providers. We will find the best solution for our customers and will be offering the packs FREE OF CHARGE for all people advertising their property through us. The HIP must be ordered at the same time as your house is placed on the market. Once your HIP is ordered your property can goes live on the market (i.e. you will not have to wait for the HIP to be complete). It will typically take 7 working days to prepare, but, to meet legal requirements, must be complete within 28 days of order. Your property’s HIP will be kept at your local Smart Step office for potential buyers to look at.