What is a home information pack?

The government has introduced Home Information Packs (HIPs) to help speed up the home selling process and provide vital information that will help in reducing excess carbon emissions from residential properties. Every year millions of pounds are wasted on transactions that fall through. HIPSs will help prevent this terrible waste and ensure that the searches and vital information needed by the buyer are provided at the start of the transaction. A buyer will be provided with an Energy Performance Certificate, as part of the HIP, giving performance ratings for the property that can help the seller or the buyer pinpoint areas that might be improved to assist with energy conservation. The person who markets your property is responsible for obtaining the HIP and this will usually be your estate agent. Failure to obtain a HIP before marketing can result in a fine.

Contents of a home information pack

The following compulsory documents must be included in a home information pack;

• Home information pack Index
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Sale statement
• Standard Searches
• Evidence of title
• Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales.

A HIP for a newly built home must have a certificate showing the rating that the home has received in respect of the code form sustainable Homes or a nil-rated certificates showing that the home has only been designed to meet current building regulations.

Optional documents that may be included in the HIP

• Home contents form
• Home use form
• Home condition report
• Guarantees or certificates for double glazing, cavity, wall insulation etc…