Home Information Packs (HIPs)
GTC Law can provide you a competitively-priced Home Information Pack. A solicitor-produced HIP is a better investment than an Estate Agent HIP particularly in cases where you might want to change agents. Please email HIPS@gtclaw.co.uk for further information, or complete the online enquiry form below.
All residential properties for sale now require a Home Information Pack (HIP). Many councils do not have the resources to supply copies of planning searches quickly. Consequently, sellers will be allowed to market their homes providing the searches are included within a 28-day period of grace.
The few exceptions where a HIP would not be required are as follows:
- Rented accommodation which is not offered with vacant possession
- Mixed use property (part shop with flat above, for example)
- Properties over 5 hectares (about 12.4 acres) – ie farm-type properties but not houses with large grounds.
Failure to comply with the regulations and purchase a HIP will attract a fine of £200, which would normally fall on the estate agent but, in the case of a private sale, would hit the seller.
A Home Seller Pack Must Contain:
- A 'sale statement' covering the name of the seller, the property's address, whether it is freehold, leasehold or commonhold; and whether or not it is being sold with vacant possession.
- Standard local authority searches covering planning decisions and road building proposals, plus information on drainage and water connections.
- An official copy of the title deeds and any outstanding mortgages or charges against the property.
- A copy of the lease where appropriate. It may also contain:
- A home condition report or basic structural survey.
- A list of fixtures and fittings included in the sale.
- Other general information such as maintenance of boundary fences.
An energy performance certificate involves a trained official visiting your home detailing the date the house was built, the method of construction and its location, heating systems, insulation, double glazing and any other relevant fittings. The assessor will give the property an energy efficiency rating from A to G, which is similar to the scheme used for household appliances such a fridge. ‘A’ is the most efficient.
Although there is no requirement to carry out work to improve a home's energy rating, the Government hopes the certificates will encourage owners to do so.
To order a Home Information Pack complete our Online Form
