HIPS
(Home Information Packs)
Updated – April 2009
With effect from 6th April 2009 there have been changes to the regulations regarding HIPS. Sellers can no longer market their property unless the HIP has been prepared.
The main changes are that an Energy Efficiency Report, Property Information Questionnaire and evidence of title must be in place before the property can be marketed.
The full HIP will contain a Local Search and Water and Drainage Search. These two searches do not have to be in place at the time of marketing, but evidence must be provided to show the searches have been applied for.
The new form to be included in the HIP (i.e. Property Information Questionnaire) has to be completed by the Sellers, but of course we are happy to provide any assistance with completion of the form.
Therefore, if you are proposing to sell your property, it would be a good idea to contact us in order to discuss the provision of your HIP so there are no delays in marketing your property.
As part of our Conveyancing service when selling a property we can
provide to you a fully compliant Home Information Pack, priced between £233.30 and £313.30
(this is dependent upon which local authority your property falls under).
If we are instructed by you to also carry out the legal work on your
sale we will make no charge for the preparation work involved in preparing
your Home Information Pack.
Our packs are compiled using the following 5 items:-
Energy Performance Certificates
This is a compulsory document which details how energy efficient your
property is. The higher the rating the more energy efficient the property
and the lower the likely energy bills will be.
We use a local accredited Energy Assessor who carries out the EPC inspections
and would liase with you direct to organise the most convenient time
to carry out the assessment.
More information on Energy Performance Certificates can be found on
the link below.
LLC1 and CON29 Local Authority searches
We either apply direct to the Local Authority or to a personal search provider, for inclusion within the HIP.
CON29DW Water and Drainage search
This is obtained direct from the local water authority and details
to any would be purchaser what water services, if any, are connected
to the property and if there are any charges payable for water services.
Official Copy Entries, Filed Plans and title documents
In the case of registered property we would obtain a copy of the Register
and Filed Plan to use in the HIP to prove your title to the property
as is required by the regulations. In the case of unregistered property
we would include photocopies of deeds and documents that are sufficient
to prove title.
Property Information Questionnaire
This form provides the buyer with some basic information about various aspects of the property, e.g. boundaries, services etc. We can assist you with its completion.
We aim to provide a quick and professional service and our Packs are
usually completed and issued to the selling agents within 5 – 10
working days of receiving your instructions. For properties outside
Norfolk and surrounding counties we would endeavour to find out the
costs of the searches direct with their authorities and would quote
these to you before proceeding.
If you would like any further information or have any queries please
contact Marina Sutton on our office number or alternatively use the email
address below:
marina@purdysreepham.co.uk
Useful Links
http://www.homeinformationpack.gov.uk/
- for information on Home Information Packs
http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/epc/
- for information on Energy Performance Certificates
