| From the 1st June, most residential properties, both leasehold and freehold and including flats, houses, bungalows, that are to be put up for sale will require by law an Home Information Pack (HIP).
It will be illegal to advertise for sale the vast majority of residential properties unless a HIP has been compiled. The HIP should then be made available to potential buyers.
The HIP will provide reliable information about the property so that a potential buyer can feel confident about making an offer to purchase it. The HIP will contain information that will help speed up the conveyancing process, and it will also reduce the likelihood of a sale falling through due to unexpected problems coming later jeopardising the sale.
The Home Information Pack Regulations 2007 set out the provisions on the ‘required’ and ‘authorised’ contents of the Pack.
Required documents must be included in the Pack where appropriate
Authorised documents may be included at the seller’s discretion.
Required documents are:
- index, listing the contents of the Pack;
- energy performance certificate (EPC);
- sale statement indicating whether the property is leasehold, freehold or commonhold, and any covenants or restrictions that apply;
- evidence of the vendor’s title;
- standard searches i.e. local authority search and water and drainage search;
- where appropriate, commonhold information;
- where appropriate, leasehold information, including a copy of the lease, together with information on service charges and insurance;
- where appropriate, any new homes warranty; and
- where appropriate, a report on a home that is not yet physically complete.
For a transitional period, sellers can market their property with only the index, EPC, sale statement and evidence of title, provided there is evidence the other appropriate documents have been commissioned and will be available within 28 days.
EPC will tell you how energy efficient the property is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes which should have the lowest running costs are in band A. The assessor will examine the heating system, window glazing, insulation, and any energy saving devices such as thermostatic controls on the boiler and radiators. Recommendations are included in the EPC about ways to improve the property’s energy efficiency to save money and help the environment. The EPC will be issued by a qualified domestic energy assessor.
Authorised documents:
- home condition report (HCR);
- property details questionnaire (PDQ);
- guarantees and warranties; and
- other searches.
HCR provides information about the condition of the property. The HCR rates the condition of each part of the property on a scale of 1-3 (1 being the best) – letting the potential buyer know if any repairs are needed and whether they are serious. The HCR will include an EPC.
PDQ is a similar document to the present seller’s property information form and the fixtures and fittings form.
So who provides the HIP?
Kirbys have arrangements in place with national HIP providers and are ready to provide a HIP for your property in readiness for its marketing.
What will the HIP cost?
This will depend on the type of HIP you require and the size of the property. Prices for the HIP are expected to start from about £360.00 plus value added tax.
When do I have to pay for the HIP?
The HIP can be bought outright before the property is put on the market or alternatively Kirbys can arrange deferred terms for which you may be eligible.
Who owns the HIP?
Whether you purchase the HIP at the outset or through deferred terms, then you will own it and be able to take it elsewhere. However, if the HIP has been supplied as part of an all inclusive fee by Kirbys as your solicitor, then it may be retained by us.
Can I see the HIP?
Yes, either through us, or your estate agent and either as a paper copy or electronically.
Who else can see the HIP?
Any interested party can request a HIP on a property being marketed to the general public, either through us or the estate agent, and again either as a paper copy or electronically. There may be a charge for a paper copy.
How long will it take to produce?
Subject to a domestic energy assessor gaining access to the property, a HIP can be provided in a matter of days.
For further information or enquiries please email: HIPs@kirbysllp.co.uk | 
