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Hips extended to all homes, including new builds.   As of 6th April 2008, ALL properties put on the market in England and Wales, including new builds, require a Home Information Pack (HIP) and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

What is a Home Information Pack?

 

Home Information Packs (HIPs) are required before any residential property in England and Wales can be placed on the market.

 

A HIP consists of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which rates a property's energy efficiency using a grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’ – similar to the current system for rating the energy efficiency of electrical apparatus together with a collection of legal information and documentation which a solicitor normally puts together as part of the sale process.  

 

What has to be included in a HIP?

 

HIPs will have to contain an index, a copy of the title deeds, sale statement specifying who is selling the property, the nature of their interest and whether or not the title to the property is registered at the Land Registry.  There will also have to be Local and Water Authority Searches together with an Energy Performance Certificate.  Leasehold properties have to include a copy of the Lease.

 

The Regulations are very precise as to what has to be included and even the order in which the documents appear in the pack.  Failure to comply can result in prosecution and a fine.

 

How much will a HIP cost?

 

Unfortunately there will be a cost associated with the production of HIPs.  Fees are payable to obtain the Local and Water Authority Searches and also the EPC.  Normally the cost of searches is met by buyers.  The position will gradually change but during the transitional period people placing their property on the market after that date but buying a property which was marketed before the introduction of HIPs may find that they have to pay for searches on both properties. 

 

How can I minimise the cost?

 

Most of the documents which are required by a Home Information Pack are documents which solicitors will ordinarily put together as part of the sale process.  We can create a HIP for you with official Thanet District Council local authority search for as little as £299 (including VAT) and no strings!

 

Can any other information be added to the HIP?

 

The Regulations permit certain other documents which are part of the normal conveyancing process to be added to the HIP.  Guarantees for work carried out to the property, Planning Permissions and Building Regulation Approvals can all be included as can the Property Information Form and Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form which a seller already has to fill in once a sale has been negotiated.  For those who wish to do so we will make available a copy of the Property Information Form and Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form so that you can get all of your paperwork in place before a buyer is found so as to minimise any subsequent delay. 

 

No other information or documents apart from that permitted by the Regulations can be added to the pack. 

 

Are there different types of Local Searches?

 

Traditionally a Local Search has been issued by a local authority.  Local authority staff carry out a search of its own records and issue an Official Search Certificate.  The cost of official searches has continued to rise over recent years despite increased computerisation of local authority records.  As an alternative a number of companies provide a Personal Search service whereby their staff inspect the same information and provide a Search Certificate which is backed by insurance.  Few mortgage lenders will not accept Personal Searches but the vast majority do.  In the situations where we are unable to provide you with an official local authority search we have arranged for one of the market leading providers of property search information, who are a member of Copso (the Council of Personal Search Organisations) to provide searches for us.

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The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.