Communities and Local Government

• Housing
• Buying, selling, owning a home
• The Home Information Pack
• Frequently asked questions about the Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)

Frequently asked questions about the Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)

If a property was on the market before 6 April 2009, will a PIQ have to be included in the Home Information Pack (HIP) on that date?

No. The requirement to include a PIQ only applies to homes put on the market on or after 6 April 2009.

Does this still apply if a seller who is already on the market changes their estate agent after 6 April 2009?

Yes.  A change of estate won't make any difference.

Where can I obtain a copy of the PIQ? 

A copy of the PIQ (General or New Homes version) may be downloaded from this website. We expect that HIP providers and estate agents will provide copies of the PIQ to sellers wishing to market their property. However for those without internet access, a paper copy of the PIQ can also be obtained free of charge by contacting the Communities and Local Government enquiry line on 0303 444 0000.

Can we edit the PIQ to include guidance or further questions?

No. The exact wording of the questions in the PIQ and the order in which they are asked are prescribed in the HIP regulations. Therefore, no additional questions can be included or the content altered or amended. 

Is the format of the PIQ prescribed? Can a company logo be added?

Yes. The format of the PIQ is not prescribed so it is possible for a HIP provider to change the design of the form for example the typeface or colour scheme in keeping with existing company livery.  A company logo may also be added. However, the regulations prevent the inclusion of advertising or marketing material in a HIP.

Where can we get an unprotected copy of the PIQ?

The PIQ can be completed by sellers online and downloaded. An unprotected copy of the PIQ is available to download to enable HIP providers to incorporate the form into their systems.  

Are sellers permitted to get help in completing the PIQ?

There is no impediment to the seller seeking assistance from a property professional to complete the form. The HIP regulations require that the PIQ is completed by the seller and the form has been designed so this can be done easily and without input from professionals. However, where a property professional assists a seller, it will be necessary to demonstrate that the seller has checked the accuracy of the information provided and approved the completed PIQ for inclusion in the HIP. If an estate agent helps the seller to complete the PIQ then the provisions of the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 may apply.  

What happens if a seller completes the PIQ dishonestly?

The About this form section of the PIQ explains what the seller should be aware of when completing the form. This includes the need for answers to be truthful and as accurate to the best of their knowledge. The section is also clear that misleading or incorrect answers are likely to be exposed later during the conveyancing process and may endanger the sale.

Why are sellers not required to sign the PIQ to prove they completed it?

The decision not to include provision for a signature in the PIQ was taken to minimise the risk of identity theft and facilitate the completion and distribution of the form electronically. This approach is consistent with other required documents in the HIP that sellers might complete themselves - i.e. the index and sale statement.  

What if the seller doesn't know anything about the property - eg a lender selling a repossessed home?

In most cases the PIQ will be completed by a seller who owns and lives in the property being sold and should therefore have little difficulty in answering the questions in the form. However, there may be cases where the seller knows little about the property - a probate sale for example, or a lender selling a repossessed home.  In these cases, it would be legitimate to answer "don't know" to questions that could be difficult to answer within a reasonable timescale and without incurring disproportionate costs. 

Where should the PIQ appear within the HIP?

From 6 April 2009 the required documents should be in the following order:

• Index
• Property Information Questionnaire
• Energy Performance Certificate or Predicted Energy Assessment
• Sustainability information (new homes only)

The remaining required documents (Sale Statement, evidence of title, local property searches and copy of lease (if applicable) can be in any order).