The Home Information Pack (HIP) is a set of documents providing information about a property such as its energy efficiency, boundary ownership and planning permissions.  HIPs become compulsory from 1st August 2007 for any new property coming on the market (initially only for those with 3 & 4 bedrooms. They are currently being trialled in the Huddersfield area. 

The Governments aim for HIPs is to reduce the stress of buying and selling properties by the seller providing a number of important documents at the time that a property is put on the market.  Currently this information is not made available until after a sale has been agreed – sometimes only a few weeks before the sale is due to complete. 

Although this has not been entirely confirmed the each HIP is likely to contain the following components:

●          Energy Performance Certificate – Rating the Homes energy efficiency.
●          A Sale Statement – Summarising the terms of the sale.
●          Evidence of Title.
●          Standard Searches – e.g. Local Authority enquiries, Drainage & Water Searches.
●          Where appropriate, Leasehold information.

Other content which can be included within the HIP (not compulsory from 1st August 2007) includes:

●          Home Condition Report – Commenting on the condition of the property and any essential repairs which are required.
●          Other Searches relevant to the properties location – e.g. Environmental Searches.
●          Guarantees and Warranties – For works done i.e. Timber & Damp Treatment.

Wm. Sykes & Son will be working alongside a number of reputable solicitors in producing HIPs for our clients.  We are informed that it will not be compulsory for clients who already have their properties on the market prior to June 1st to commission a HIP.  If you require any further information about HIPs please contact our sales manager Rob Dixon on (01484) 683543 or email robdixon@wmsykes.co.uk

For further, more comprehensive information visit the Governments website: www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk