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Why do I need a HIP?
The thinking behind HIPs is to acquire all the exchange documentation needed up front, so as to speed up the sales process..
Shop around to get the best deal on a HIP.
You can use any HIP provider.
The estate agent that you decide to use to market your home will probably try to get you to use their services to generate your HIP.
Check the costs – make sure that you get the best value for money..
Can I use the HIP I already have or do I have to get another one done?
You can get your own HIP done before you approach any estate agent, and, providing all the information required is there, they will have to use it. So, if you decide to part ways with your agent and instruct another one, your HIP is transferable.
Should I let my estate agent add the cost of a HIP as a percentage of his commission?
It could be a very expensive mistake if you did - check the real cost..
Free HIPs?
Your HIP provider will incur costs to supply this legal document. Confirm the price charged for the HIP should your estate agent not complete the sale..
What’s in a Home Information Pack?
Properties marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales will need a Home Information Pack (HIP), which includes a home energy rating. The Pack includes an Index, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, local authority searches, water and drainage searches and evidence of title.
Home Information Pack Index
The compulsory documents include a Home Information Pack Index, listing the documents contained in the Pack. 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
Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a home 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.
Sale Statement
The sale statement should provide some basic information about the property, including:
- The address of the property being sold.
- Whether the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold.
- Whether the property is registered or unregistered.
- Whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession.
Standard searches
The Home Information Pack must include:
1: Local Authority Search
The Local Authority Search is a check against any plans that may affect the property being sold. The search looks for planning proposals such as new roads, changes to road layouts, building developments in the vicinity and alterations to land use and public rights of way.
2: Drainage and Water Search
The Drainage and Water Search includes information relating to the connection of water and sanitation services, adoption agreements, services within the property, statutory agreements, basis of charging for services and proximity to public system
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. These provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and consist of:
- Official copies of the individual register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, typically, a charges register) .
- An official copy of the title plan.
- In the case of the sale of a commonhold interest, official copies of the register and title plan should be produced for both the unit and common parts.
HIP Exemptions from 14th December 2007
In some circumstances Home Information Packs may not be required for certain properties, these are outlined briefly as follows:
- Properties where there is no marketing (e.g. sale to member of your family)
- Non-residential properties
- Seasonal and holiday accommodation
- Mixed sales (e.g. shop with flat)
- Right to buy and similar sales
- Sales of portfolios of properties
- Properties not being sold with completely vacant possession
- Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished.
Government HIP Information
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