home information packs

The Home Information Pack (HIP)

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. 

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.

Whether you require a complete service or would like us to supply key elements of the HIP, e.g. Local Authority searches and copies of planning consents and building regulations approvals, we will provide that service quickly and efficiently and at a very competitive price.

We are committed both to delivering a state-of-the-art Home Information Pack solution and being fully compliant with the new property codes.

Content of Home Information Pack

The Home Information Pack Regulations 2006 set out provisions on the “required” and “authorised” content of the Pack. Required documents must be included in the pack where appropriate and authorised documents may be included at the seller’s discretion.

The required documents are:

• An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack)
• A sale statement (summarising terms of sale)
• Evidence of title
• Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
• An Energy Performance Certificate
• Where appropriate, commonhold information (including a copy of the commonhold community statement)
• Where appropriate, leasehold information (including a copy of the lease, information on service charges and insurance)
• Where appropriate, a New Homes Warranty
• Where appropriate, a report on a home that is not physically complete

The authorised documents include:

• Guarantees and warranties
• Other searches.
• A Home Condition Report

An authorised document means that sellers can use them to top up their Packs voluntarily to include additional material where they judge that to be of interest to prospective buyers. Although the Government has indicated it will make Home Condition Reports voluntary as from 1 June 2007, it strongly believes that these are likely to prove valuable to both sellers and buyers, and is working with the industry to ensure that there is active take up.