Home Information Packs

From 6 April 2009 important changes are being introduced, both to the content of the Home Information Packs and to make them available at the first point a property is marketed.

The changes are:

introduction of the new Property Information Questionnaire
removal of the temporary first day marketing concession
all searches, whether produced by a local authority or personal search company must be complete with no gaps in the data covered by insurance

To help property professionals prepare for these changes we have produced a leaflet - Changes to Home Buying and selling - Updates to Home Information Packs and a briefing note - Changes to Home Information Packs.

Further information for industry is available on the Business Link website at www.businesslink.gov.uk/homeinformationpacks (external link).

Sellers and buyers can find information in the leaflet - Home buying and selling: A guide to Home Information Packs.

Further information for consumers is available on the Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk/HIPS (external link).

Introduction

A Home Information Pack (HIP) is now required for most homes put on the market with vacant possession on or after 14 December 2007.

Anyone marketing a home for sale in England and Wales, whether they are an estate agent or auctioneer, a housing developer, or a private individual is responsible for ensuring that a HIP is in place and made available to potential buyers.

HIPs are designed to bring information upfront to increase certainty and inform buyers about a property before they incur costs. Informed choice by buyers at the start of the process will help reduce delays later on and reduce wasted time for sellers.

The legislative background to HIPs

Home Information Packs were introduced by the Housing Act 2004 (external link) in sections 154 - 159 and the Home Information Pack (No. 2) Regulations 2007 (as amended) (external link).

The Regulations and associated procedural guidance can be found in The Home Information Pack (No.2) Regulations 2007 (as amended) Procedural Guidance.

From 6 April 2009 the the documents required to be in the HIP are:

Index
Property Information Questionnaire
Energy Performance Certificate/PEA
Sustainability information (new homes only)
Sale statement
Evidence of title
Standard searches
Lease (where appropriate)

Further information

If you are involved in the property industry further information about Home Information Packs is available at: www.businesslink.gov.uk/homeinformationpacks (external link).

If you are looking to sell or buy a home and need more information about HIPs please visit the Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk/HIPs (external link).