Home Information Packs (HIPS)

The home information pack was introduced on the 1st June 2007. At Ashtons we can advise you fully on all aspects of the HIP and make all the arrangements on your behalf with Hethertons solicitors to prepare the HIP.

This pack must contain certain compulsory documents which are detailed below. If certain documents (i.e. searches, evidence of title for unregistered home and leasehold/commonhold information) cannot be obtained in time, sellers can start marketing with a Pack that includes an index, sale statement, evidence of title and an Energy Performance Certificate only. However, the seller must be able to show that the missing items have been applied for, and are expected to arrive no later than 28 days of the property being put on the market. Each pack will contains the following key items:

• Pack Index - The Index provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities. Where a document that must be included in the Pack is unavailable, the Index must say so, give the reason it is missing, and indicate what steps are being taken to obtain it. Where documents are added to or removed from the Pack at a later stage, the Index should be revised accordingly.

• Energy Performance Certificate - which tells you how energy efficient the property is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A. The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
  The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment. Sellers of newly built homes will have to provide a predicted assessment of the energy efficiency of the property, but a full Energy Performance Certificate should be provided to the buyer when the home is completed. You will no doubt be familiar with the energy efficiency rating chart (seen below) it is very similar to that seen on washing machines etc.
  

• Sales Statement - should provide some basic information about the property, including: The name of the seller and the address of the property being sold, whether the property is freehold or leasehold, whether the property is registered or unregistered and whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession

• Local Authority and Drainage Searches

  • The local land charges register relating to the property being sold. If the search is carried out by the local authority, an official search certificate will be provided. Alternatively a personal search company can be used.
  • Other records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers, such as planning decisions and road building proposals. These are referred to as local enquiries in the Home Information Pack regulations. A local authority or a personal search company can be used.
  • The provision of drainage and water services to the property. The local water company or a personal search company can be used.
    
• Evidence of Title - These documents prove that the seller owns the property and therefore has the right to sell it. Where the property being sold is registered, certain documents that are available on request from the Land Registry must be included in the Pack.