Following the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPS) in 2007, it is now mandatory for a large majority of residential properties to have a HIP in place before being marketed for sale.

The introduction of HIPs, driven by the Communities and Local Government (CLG), has two main objectives:

It is hoped that they will reduce the number of property sales that fall through in the UK. Providing information up front enables potential purchasers to make a more informed decision much earlier in the process.

To help meet the Government’s EU directive to measure and improve energy efficiency of UK housing, an Energy Performance Certificate is required in every pack. A HIP will provide a specific energy 'rating' for the property, as well as comments and advice on how the property could be made more environmentally friendly.

HIPs will not be required when selling the following:

• Non-residential property
• Mixed commercial and residential property
• Sales of tenanted properties
• Properties with leases of less than 21 years
• Private sales where the property is not marketed
• Unsafe (uninhabitable) properties and properties for demolition

Home Information Packs are not regulated the Financial Services Authority. An additional fee may be payable for this service.

For more information on HIPs please contact us on 01273 298331.