WHAT IS A HOME INFORMATION PACK (HIP) ?

A Home Information Pack is a set of documents, provided by a seller, which will give a potential buyer key information about the property for sale. HIPs have been introduced through government legislation as part of the 2004 Housing Bill.

WHAT DOES A HIP CONTAIN ?

The HIP contains the following required documents:

Index

Energy Performance Certificate

Sale Statement

Evidence of Title

Standard Searches

Documents surrounding the Lease (Leasehold only)

In addition the following documents can also be included in the HIP (Authorised)

Home Contents Form

Home Use Form

Planning and Consents

Warranties and Guarantees

Home Condition Report

Other Searches

WHAT IS A HOME CONDITION REPORT (HCR) ?

The Home Condition Report is a type of house survey that will be an authorised part of the HIP. It contains information about the physical condition of the property, including its energy efficiency.

The HCR will have to be produced by a qualified Home Inspector who will carry out an on site assessment.

WHEN WILL A HIP NOT BE REQUIRED ?

A Home Information Pack will not be needed for:

Residential Premises sold without vacant possession - i.e. with a sitting tenant. Non-residential premises. This needs to have been the most recent use, or a house where it is clear from the marketing that it is due to be converted, (needs to have relevant planning consents). Does not include home working. Dual use of a dwelling house. Property was most recently used for both residential and non-residential purposes and this is clear from the manner in which it is marketed. Mixed non-residential and residential property. Property is to be sold with one or more non-residential premises, or the house is secondary to the non-residential premises and the seller does not intend to accept an offer in isolation. This must be clear from the manner in which the property is marketed. Seasonal and holiday accommodation, if occupation is for less than 11 months out of 12, or property is only used for holiday accommodation. This must be clear from the manner in which the property is marketed. Portfolios of property. This applies when the seller does not intend to accept an offer for one property in isolation. It must also be clear in the marketing that the seller's intension is not to split the portfolio. Unsafe property, which is unoccupied and its condition poses a serious risk to visitors. It must be clear from the marketing that it is unsuitable for occupation. Property due to be demolished. It must be clear from the marketing that the property is suitable for demolition and that all the relevant planning permissions are in place. Property with land over 5 hectares, which is used primarily for agricultural purposes.

WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING A HIP FOR A PROPERTY ?

The duty to provide a HIP falls to the "responsible person" marketing the property. In the case of a private sale, the responsible person is that individual that makes public the fact that the property is for sale. In our case this is the Estate Agent.

Estate Agents acting on behalf of the seller are responsible for ensuring that a HIP is available to any potential buyers and have a duty to provide a copy when requested to do so. .

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO PROVIDE A HIP ?

For freehold properties between 5-7 days.
For leasehold and common hold properties this will be 10-15 days.

HOW WILL HIPS CHANGE THE SALES PROCESS ?

The Government wants HIPs to leave purchasers better informed and reduce the time between an offer being made and exchange of contracts both of which should be possible.