| Frequently Asked Questions |
Here are a list of Frequently Asked Questions that we have compiled to help you understand a little more about HIPs and the service we offer...
About Home Information Packs
What is a Home Information Pack?
What is included in the pack?
Who will need a HIP?
Does a property marketed before the 1st of August 2007 require a HIP?
Do we need the completed HIP before the property is marketed?
What is required if the property is Leasehold?
What is required if the property is Commonhold?
What is required if the property is unregistered?
Do new homes still require a HIP?
How long is a HIP valid for?
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
About HIP Manger
How much do we charge for a HIP?
How long does it take before the HIP is delivered?
Do we need a printed HIP?
How is the energy survey carried out?
Do you charge extra for Leasehold or Commonhold properties?
Do you provide discount on multiple orders?
What format are the HIPs delivered in?
What kind of credit facilities do you offer?
What is a personal search?
What level of support does HIP Manager offer?
What is a Home Information Pack?
The Home Information Pack or HIP was introduced as a provision of the Housing Act 2004. The main premise of the HIP is to reduce the number of failed residential property transactions by providing valuable information to the prospective buyer on local planning, drainage and water, ownership and environmental considerations before an offer is placed.
What is included in the pack?
The Home Information Pack consists of the following documentation:
Local Authority Search
The Local Authority Search is a check against any plans that may affect the property being sold. The search looks for planning proposals such as new roads, changes to road layouts, building developments in the vicinity and alterations to land use and public rights of way.
View Local Authority Search Sample
Drainage and Water Search (Con29)
The Drainage and Water Search includes information relating to the connection of water and sanitation services, adoption agreements, services within the property, statutory agreements, basis of charging for services and proximity to public system, etc.
View Drainage and Water Search Sample
Energy Performance Certificate
The Energy Performance Certificate or EPC indicates the Energy Efficiency and CO2 rating for a home on a scale of A-G (A being most efficient). The EPC is issued by an energy assessor following a survey of the home.
View EPC Sample
Land Registry Title Documents
The Land Registry Official Titles provide information on the current registered owner(s) of the property, their associated rights and the boundaries of the properties illustrated on a plan.
View Title Register Sample
View Title Plan Sample
Additional Leasehold or Commonhold documentation
If the tenure of the property being sold is leasehold or Commonhold then additional lease documentation will be required. Details about the additional documentation can be found on the official Home Information Pack website.
Who will need a HIP?
Home Information Packs are a mandatory supplement to the sale of all residential properties in England and Wales.
Do we need the completed HIP before the property is marketed?
No. Currently you only need proof that the HIP has been commissioned.
What is required if the property is Leasehold?
If the property for which a HIP is being ordered is leasehold then you currently only require a copy of the lease. As of December 2008 the following documentation is likely to be included:
- A copy of the lease.
- Any regulations or rules that apply to the property that aren't mentioned in the lease and any proposed amendments to same.
- Statements or summaries of service charges covering the previous 36 months.
- Where appropriate, the most recent requests for payment of service charges, ground rent, insurance against damage for the building in which the property is situated, and insurance in respect of personal injury caused by or within the building during the 12-month period before marketing began.
- The name and address of the current or proposed lessor, and details of any managing agent that has been appointed or proposed by the lessor to manage the property.
- A summary of any works being undertaken or proposed that will affect the property or the building in which it's situated.
What is required if the property is Commonhold (Share of Freehold)?
If the property for which a HIP is being ordered is Commonhold then you currently only require a copy of the lease. As of December 2008 the following documentation is likely to be included:
- An official copy of the individual register and title plan for the common parts. This is in addition to official copies for the unit (see our section on Evidence of title).
- An official copy of the commonhold community statement.
- Copies of any regulations or rules not described in the commonhold community statement and any amendments proposed to those regulations or to the commonhold community statement.
- Copies of any requests for payments made in the previous 12 months in respect of commonhold assessment, reserve fund levy and insurance (if not covered by a request for commonhold assessment).
- The name and address of any managing agent or other person appointed or proposed to be appointed by the commonhold association to manage the commonhold.
- A summary of current or proposed works affecting the commonhold.
More information on leasehold and commonhold properties
What is required if the property is unregistered?
For the sale of unregistered land, the HIP must include copies of a certificate of an official search of the index map and those documents that the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property, and thus the right to sell it.
Do new homes still require a HIP?
Where a home is marketed "off-plan" before it is physically complete, it will need a Pack (subject to the Packs phased implementation) but it will not have a full Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Instead the Pack will contain a Predicted Energy Assessment. This will look similar to the graphs from a full EPC and will be produced from the design plans for the building rather than a physical inspection.
More information on hew homes
How long is a HIP valid for?
While the property is on the market, there is no need to update the Home Information Pack (ultimately, the market decides whether the documents remain acceptable and up to date).
More information from the Home Information Pack government site
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate or EPC is the product of an energy survey that is carried out by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). The certificate provides two separate ratings to indicate the overall efficiency of the property and the associated CO2 impact. The certificate also includes instructions on how to improve the overall energy efficiency of the property.
How long does it take before the HIP is delivered?
We aim to have a HIP completed within 7 to 10 working days from ordering. We closely monitor the progress of your HIP to ensure completion is as speedy as possible.
Do we need a printed HIP?
There is no legal requirement to have a printed version of your HIP providing the pack is in a readable format and can easily be viewed by prospective buyers. If you however would like a printed version of the HIP then this can be arranged for a small additional fee.
How is the energy survey carried out?
Once the HIP has been ordered we will contact you by telephone to arrange a convenient date on which to carry out the Energy Survey. The energy assessment is usually performed within 3 working days of ordering the HIP.
Do you charge extra for Leasehold or Commonhold properties?
Yes an additional fee is charged on Leasehold and Commonhold properties. This is to cover the administration costs associated with ordering the additional documentation. We strive to keep these additional costs as low as possible.
Do you provide discount on multiple orders?
MonkeyMove.com is a consumer website and is intended for one off/low volume ordering. If you are ordering your HIP through a company then you can obtain a range of value added services and preferential pricing schemes through our parent company HIP Manager.
What format are the HIPs delivered in?
The completed HIPs are provided in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format as a complete document or as sub documents relating to each section.
What kind of credit facilities do you offer?
Payment for all HIP orders is currently arranged before any work is carried out to assemble your HIP. MonkeyMove.com are registered with the FSA and hold a valid Consumer Credit Licence. We are currently working with a third party finance company to provide credit services.
What is a personal search?
A Personal Search is an inspection of records maintained by the local authority. The search is carried out by an agent that obtains access to the records and takes copies of the required documentation.
What level of support does Monkey Move offer?
Monkey Move are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Our systems automatically keep you up to date on the progress of your HIP and any queries will usually be responded to within one working hour. |
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