Home Information Pack (HIP)
From April 2009 you can't sell your home without a Home Information Pack (HIP).
Relax:
Complete can provide a HIP service and what is more if you have a Fast Exchange we can speed up your conveyance!
What is a HIP?
The Home Information Pack contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know. From April 2009, anyone marketing a property, or their representative, is legally required to prepare a Home Information Pack and make it available to potential buyers of the property.
For Sellers providing a HIP it should:
- Reduce the likelihood of any nasty surprises that could delay the sale.
For Buyers the HIP should:
- Provide essential information about properties they are considering buying.
- Give the ability to make more informed decisions about purchasing a home.
- It is Free to view.
What does it contain?
The following are compulsory ('Required') documents in the Home Information Pack - otherwise known as 'required' documents, as opposed to the optional 'authorised' documents:
- Home Information Pack Index.
- Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ).
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
- Sustainability information for newly built homes.
- Sale statement (summarising the sales details).
- Evidence of title (Proof of ownership and the owners name.
- Standard Searches (or proof that one has been ordered).
- Leasehold and commonhold documents.
The optional parts of a HIP (known as 'Authorised' documents) include the following:
- Home Condition Reports.
- Legal summary.
- Home use/contents forms.
- Non Standard Searches
- Guarantees and warranties.
- Other documents.
Note that only Required and Authorised documents may be included in the Pack.
You don’t need a HIP for:
- properties where there is no marketing, for example if you are selling to a member of your family
- non-residential properties
- properties limited by law to use as holiday accommodation or occupation for less than 11 months per year
- mixed sales, for example a shop with flat
- sales of portfolios of properties, for example selling two properties together
- properties not being sold with completely vacant possession, for example with a sitting tenant
- unsafe properties and properties due to be demolished
- properties sold through the ‘Right to Buy’, ‘Right to Acquire’ and ‘Social HomeBuy’ home ownership schemes
How much does it cost?
- The cost depends on the content
- It pays to be informed
For more information:
Who pays for the HIP?
This will vary depending on who you talk to but the alternatives are:
- The Estate Agent Pays.
- The Estate Agent adds it to their fee.
- The Estate Agent funds the cost and adds it to their bill.
- The Client Pays.
There are pro's and con's to each variation. For more information:
Benefits of the HIP:
The Government believes that Home Information Packs will:
- Reduce the stress of buying and selling
- Providing key documents from the time a property is put on the market for sale.
- Increase confidence in the sale process.
Want to see a HIP?
Sellers or their agents have to provide the pack within 14 days of a request from a buyer. A seller can refuse to provide a copy in limited cases. This is usually when a seller believes that the person making the request:
- couldn't afford the property
- isn't really interested in buying the property
- isn't a person who the seller would wish to sell the property to (but this doesn't allow them to unlawfully discriminate against someone)
- For more information view the government HIP website Test a another
Ombudsman for Estate Agents:
Estate Agents marketing property for sale with Home information Packs will be required for the first time, to belong to an approved consumer redress scheme.This means that more peace of mind and a better standard of service for customers.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The Government is committed to comply with EU Directive 2002/91/EC:
- The directive aims to promote improvements in the energy performance of buildings.
- Requires an energy performance certificate for all dwellings at the time of sale.
- Energy Performance Certificates will tell property buyers and sellers about a property’s energy efficiency.
- They use A-G ratings like those used to rate fridges and washing machines.The certificates will also make recommendations, these include, cost effective improvements that can be made to help cut fuel bills and carbon emissions.
Domestic energy consumption currently accounts for:
- 27% of the UK’s carbon emissions, contributing to global warming.
The energy performance certificate, prepared by:
- Domestic Energy Assessors or Home Inspectors.
- The DEA's are members of a Government approved certification scheme.
- The scheme is designed to help home owners save on energy bills and.
- Reduce the environmental impact of their properties.
- It is estimated that by following the recommendations in an EPC an average of £300 a year can be saved in fuel bills.
Want to see an EPC?
- Simply search our website.
- If a property has an EPC it will be shown.
What are Home Condition Reports?
When included the optional Home Condition Report provides:
- Information about the condition the home is in and includes an Energy Performance Certificate.
- The Home Condition Report rates the condition of each part of the home on a scale 1-3 (where 1 is best)
- It letst he seller and buyer know if any repairs are needed and, if so, whether they are serious.
- Buyers and sellers can rely on the Home Condition Report.
- The Home inspectors who prepare them are qualified accredited and insured.
Where can I find a Home Inspector or a Domestic Energy Assessor?
- Complete will provide an Energy Efficiency Report carried out by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor.
Can I get a Home Information Pack now?
Yes
Complete Home Information Packs ( HIPs )
We can provide access to:
- Home Information Packs (HIPs)
- Energy Efficiency Certificates
- Qualified Energy Assessors
For more information: