Home Information Pack (HIP’s)

From 1st August 2007, the Government introduced Home Information Packs to improve the process of buying and selling residential property in England and Wales.

If you are marketing a 4 bedroom property or larger and the property has not been continually marketed before 1st of August 2007 you MUST commission a HIP before you can market your home.

If you are marketing a 3 bedroom property and the property has not been continually marketed before 10th September 2007, you MUST commission a HIP before you can market your home

If you are marketing a 2 bedroom, 1 bedroom or Studio flat and the property has not been continually marketed before 14th December 2007, you MUST commission a HIP before you can market your home.

A HIP contains several compulsory items:

  • Home Information Pack Index
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • Sale Statement
  • Standard Searches
  • Evidence of Title
  • Additional information for Leasehold and Commonhold sales, where appropriate.

It is currently possible to market your home without the HIP completed PROVIDED you can prove that you have paid for one and have commissioned it. From a date yet to be confirmed, if you are exempt from a HIP because you marketed your home before the regulations came into force and you still have not sold, you will then need to purchase a HIP irregardless.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IF YOU REMOVE YOUR PROPERTY FROM THE MARKET BECAUSE YOU HAVE SOLD OR CHANGE YOUR MIND AND THE PROPERTY IS OFF THE MARKET FOR LONGER THAN 28 DAYS, IF YOUR SALE FALLS THROUGH OR YOU DECIDE TO REMARKET, YOU WILL NEED A NEW HIP!!

LETTINGS:

From 1st October 2008, all let properties will require an EPC. At the moment, an EPC is valid for 10 years however, there is suggestions that the Government feel that 10 years is too long for validity. It is thought that an EPC for a rental property is likely to be reduced to 5 year validity and the Government have not yet ruled out a new EPC for every tenant change!

We will keep you informed of any definite developments regarding this area.

The London & Surrey Ear Reconstruction Clinic