| 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.
The HIP became mandatory on the sale of all residential properties in England and Wales on the 14th of December 2007.
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 documentation will be required in order to make the HIP compliant. Details about the additional documentation can be found on the official Home Information Pack website.
Some properties do not require a HIP, click to see the exemptions.
Who will need a HIP?
The HIP is now 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. It is possible that from December 2008 you will require the completed HIP before the property is marketed.
|
 |
|