HIPS

During the latter half of 2007 it became mandatory for the vast majority of properties being sold in England and Wales to have a Home Information Pack (HIP).

Contents of the Pack

The following items are compulsory and must be included in the Home Information Pack. The Home Information Pack can either be in a hard copy, ie. Bound folder or a digital copy, ie online.

• Title documentation, ie. Evidence of ownership
• Local Authority Searches
• Sales Statement
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Properties that are exempt

In respect of the need for a Home Information Pack there are a few small exceptions:

• 1 and 2 bedroom properties that were continuously marketed from before 14th December 2007 and are currently on the market
• 3 bedroom properties having been continuously marketed from before 10th September 2007 and are currently on the market
• 4 bedroom properties having been continuously marketed from before 1st August 2007 and are currently on the market
• Non residential properties
• Holiday/seasonal homes
• Mixed commercial properties (eg. Retail property with living accommodation)
• Sales of investment of portfolios of properties
• Properties awaiting demolition
• Private sales where no marketing has occurred eg. Sales within families

Energy Performance Certificate

From 1st October 2008 an Energy Performance Certificate must be provided even if the property being sold is exempt from a Home Information Pack. All additional properties listed above under exempt properties also require an Energy Performance Certificate.

An Energy Performance Certificate is issued when a complete survey of a property has been carried out to assess how energy efficient it is. The survey consists of looking at the age and construction, type of walls, property, efficiency rating ad environmental impact (CO2 rating). Like with white goods such as fridges, washing machines and dish washers the ratings go from A-G with A being the highest indicating that the property will benefit from corresponding lower energy bills.

As part of the EPC, the person commissioning the EPC will receive a report with possible recommendations that could be implemented to improve your property's energy efficiency rating, based on the suitability for your property and how cost effective they are.

From 6th April 2009 all new homes will require an EPC and recommendation report when physically complete.

Cost of Home Information Pack and who is responsible

Thomas Watson Estate Agents use PSG (Property Search Group) and EPA (Energy Performance Assessors Ltd) to undertake the preparation and supply of the Home Information Pack. These firms are based in the North East of England and provide excellent service to clients of Thomas Watson Estate Agents. The vendor of the property is responsible for the payment, and the pack is free to purchasers. The vendor can either take advantage of a discounted 'up front' payment or a deferred interest free payment schedule. Full details are available from the staff of Thomas Watson.

Property Search Group (PSG)

PSG are the leading Search provider in England and Wales carrying out over 340,000 local searches per year, this equates to 1 in 4 of property transactions. As HIP providers, PSG have appointed Energy Performance Assessors Limited to carry out their energy performance assessments.

Further Questions?

The staff at Thomas Watson Estate Agents will only be too pleased to answer any further additional queries you may have in relation to the Home Information Pack.