H.I.P.S - Home Information Packs.
The Home Information Pack contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know. Home Information Packs including Energy Performance Certificates will be implemented on a phased basis from 1 August 2007 . From then Packs will be required for the sale of four bedroom properties and larger, with smaller properties being phased in as soon as sufficient energy assessors are fully qualified.
For sellers , providing a Pack upfront should reduce the likelihood of any nasty surprises in the selling process that could delay the sale, as buyers will be able to make more informed decisions about purchasing their home.
For buyers , the Pack provides essential information about properties they are considering buying, free of charge.
What goes in a HIP?
The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack:
*Home Information Pack Index
* Energy Performance Certificate
*Sale statement
* Standard searches
* Evidence of title
* Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.
You can also include other documents such as a Home Condition Report, an environmental or flood risk search and other information that would be of interest to a potential buyer as defined in the regulations.
For more information visit the following link to the government website:
http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/consumer/
Sample of Energy Performance certificate: