Your Guide to Home Information Packs (HIPS)

Why are they being introduced?

Currently, much of the essential information
needed by home buyers and sellers only comes
to light when an offer has been made and
accepted. In the meantime, buyers are
negotiating in the dark and are often wasting
money on legal fees, searches and surveys.
Providing all the information up front, at the time
of marketing a property, will make the home
buying and selling process more efficient andtransparent. Having local searches included in the packs will also speed up the process of the transaction.

What are they?

They aim to take the stress out of buying and selling a home by providing key information upfront. Every Pack will include Energy Performance Certificates which, like fridges will provide A - G ratings on the energy efficiency of a home, plus advice on how to make further energy savings. The Packs will also include information such as searches and other legal documents. A Home Condition Report giving details on the condition of a property can also be included in the Packs on a voluntary basis but to begin with, buyers will still have to make their own arrangements in terms of arranging a survey on the property.

When are they coming in?

They are now in place for all properties - From 1 August 2007 (4 bedrooms), 10th September 2007 (three bedrooms), 14th December 2007 (one and two bedrooms) anyone selling a property must provide potential buyers with a Home Information Pack.

Cost?

The cost of a HIP varies from whether you purchase upfront or on a deferred agreement. We offer upfront HIPs for only £295+ vat (freehold & leasehold) and deferred (9 months/on sale) for £349 + vat plus an upfront admin fee of £40 (freehold & leasehold) You can order your HIP online now - please click here. (please note that if your property is unregistered we will require an additional payment of £50+vat)

What do I need to do now?

If you are looking to market your home you require a HIP as of now. Our committment is that our HIPs are flexible and totally transparent, plus they are extremely competitive. We are not interested in restricting you on our HIPs, so if you decide to stop marketing with us you can use the HIP with other agents at no extra cost.

If you were already on the market before the deadlines (for your property type), and you can prove it has and still is being advertised you are exempt from requiring a HIP - However, we are expecting an announcement on a drop dead date for all properties shortly, if at this point it is not sold then you WILL require a HIP.