The eventual - and staggered - launch of the controversial Home Information Pack (HIP) began on 1 August 2007 for four-bedroom homes, 10 September 2007 for three-bedroom homes, 14 December 2007 for one or two-bed homes and 6 April 2008 for all new-build homes.

The law now states that, before 'marketing your home for sale' in England and Wales, you need to apply for a HIP.  Currently you don't have to physically have the pack in your hands before you can put the For Sale sign up. However, this so-called 'provisions of first day marketing' rule is due to expire - though it's uncertain exactly when this is will be.

A HIP includes an index of contents, summary of sale, title deeds and other legal documents, local authority searches and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that will rate your home’s energy efficiency and set down recommendations for improvement. Optional documents include a Home Condition Report (HCR) - which is the equivalent to a Home Buyer's Report - guarantees and additional types of searches, such as drainage.

The original purpose of a HIP was to speed up the conveyancing process and reduce to number of sales that fall through. Much of this relied on having the survey carried out upfront. But the HCR was downgraded from mandatory to voluntary by the Government in July 2006. The packs went ahead regardless, but some critics feel the initial point of the packs has been lost. The trade body, the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), is lobbying the Government for the HCR to be re-introduced.

You can purchase a HIP through your estate agent, solicitor or mortgage broker, or alternatively you can use a pack provider. Packs are typically priced between £300 and £350 plus VAT. Most pack providers give customers the option to pay for a HIP once the house is completed rather than forking out the cost upfront - but this will be more expensive in the long term.

It is advisable to use a member of AHIPP to source your HIP, which means that you will have a course of redress should you be unhappy with the product or service. If you have a complaint regarding your pack provider, Domestic Energy Assessor (who carries out EPCs), Home Inspector (who carries out HCRs) or any of the documents in the pack, you should first contact your pack provider. If the matter is not resolved, you should contact the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB) at www.propertycodes.org.uk

---

Tag this article :