Home Information Pack HIP

What is it?

The Home Information Pack contains important information that sellers and buyers need to know. It has been implemented to improve the process of buying or selling a home.

Home Information Packs including Energy Performance Certificates will be implemented on a phased basis from 1st August. These packs will be required for the sale of four bedroom properties and larger. Smaller properties are being phased in as soon as sufficient energy assessors are fully qualified.

For sellers:

The pack will reduce the risk of any unforeseen problems within the selling process that may delay the sale. This will allow buyers to make better decisions when purchasing their home.

For buyers:

The pack will provide free essential information about the property they are looking to buy.

What is in the pack?

The pack will contain:

- COMPULSORY ITEMS:

Home Information Pack Index

Provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities.

An Energy Performance Certificate

Tells 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.

Sale Statement

Provides some basic information about the site. This includes the name of seller and address of property being sold, whether the property is freehold, leasehold or common hold, whether the property is registered or unregistered and if the property is being sold with vacant ossession.

Standard searches

The local land charges register relating to the property being sold. If the search is carried out by the local authority, an official search certificate will be provided. Alternatively a personal search company can be used.

Other records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers, such as planning decisions and road building proposals. These are referred to as local enquiries in the Home Information Pack regulations. A local authority or a personal search company can be used.

The provision of drainage and water services to the property. The local water company or a personal search company can be used (however, the search must comply with the HIP Regulations).

Evidence of title

These are documents that prove you own the property and have the right to sell it. If the property being sold it registered, then there are certain documents you will need to get from the Land Registry that must be included in the pack.

VOLUNTARY ITEMS:

Home Condition Report

Contains information about the physical condition of a property, which sellers, buyers and lenders will be able to rely on legally as an accurate report.

Legal summary

The pack will have some complex documents that may be difficult to understand, so this optional part of the pack may be very helpful to buyers, although it is advised they will still need to get their own legal advice as well.

Home / use contents forms

These forms let sellers give buyers information on a range of matters on the property. This includes information on boundaries, services, notices, planning permissions, sharing with neighbours and any other matters.