Home Information Packs

Please note, with effect from the 21st May 2010, the requirement for a HIP has been suspended and it is likely that the scheme will be scrapped. You will still need to obtain an EPC, however.

Background

The Home Information Pack (HIP) is compulsory for the majority of homes offered for sale in England. The pack must be prepared in advance of a property being offered for sale and contains compulsory documents. There are also some optional documents which can be incorporated.

Be aware - the HIP is NOT a survey!

Compulsory Documents

• Home information Pack Index - a list of the documents contained in the pack
• Property Information Questionnaire - a checklist of information about the property
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) - EPC gives the actual energy efficiency of the building. The PEA gives the same infomation based on plans (ie where the property is not yet built)
• Sustainability Information - this provides the environmental impact of the property. It is required for all new homes where applications were received by the Local Authority after 1st May 2008.
• Sale Statement - basic information about the property, including the address, whether it is freehold or leasehold, whether the land has been registered, whether there are any sitting tenants and the status of the seller (ie are they the owner or are they acting on behalf of a deceased owner)
• Evidence of Title - documents proving who owns the property. For registered land this must include a copy of the official register and title plan. For unregistered land there must be a copy of the certificate of an official search and any documents the seller intends to rely on to prove they have a right to sell it
• Standard Searches - this must include a search of the local land charges register, a search of the records held by the Local Authority and details of the provision of drainage and water services to the property
• If the property is leasehold, a copy of the lease must be included.

Optional Documents

• Home Condition Report - Condition report prepared by a Accredited Inspector
• Legal Summary - A summary of the legal information contained in the HIP
• Home Contents Form - this usually contains information on what the seller intends to include in the sale
• Searches - whilst the HIP must contain some search information, many Solicitors will require a more detailed search to be undertaken. Putting this in place as an optional document can speed up the sale process
• Guarantees and Warranties - any documents relating to work carried out at the property (eg installation of windows, damp proofing etc)

Inevitably, the extra cost of the Optional Documents, means that in the overwhelming majority of cases there is no Home Condition Report. There will not, therefore, be any statement in the HIP on the condition of the property. You are strongly advised to instruct a surveyor to inspect the property you want to purchase. This is, after all, likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you make.

Please contact the relevant office for a HIP/EPC quotation or email admin@martinandmortimer.co.uk

A copy of the Propery Information Questionnaire can be found at:
www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/propertyinformationquestionnaire

More information on the Home Information Pack can be found at:
www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/BuyingAndSellingYourHome/Homeinformationpacks

A sample copy of a HIP can be found at:
www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/samplehomeinfopack.pdf

Offices throughout East Anglia - St. Ives, St. Neots, Ely, Fakenham, Holt, Cromer and Norwich