Confused about HIP's?

If you are in England or Wales

A Home Information Pack or HIP has been a legal requirement to market all regular residential properties since the 14th of December 2007. The pack consists of the local authority enquiries (searches), title documents and an Energy Performance Certificate.

From 6 April 2009, Epcess Property won't be allowed to market your property unless your HIP is available. You'll need to make arrangements to have a HIP compiled before you can start marketing your property. However, if there's a delay in getting certain documents, like the local searches, these can be added after your house is put on the market.

If you are in Scotland

Since 1st December 2008, Scotland too has brought in its own version of a HIP, the Home Report, again a legal requirement.

Click here for more informarion about 'Home Reports'

How much does a HIP cost?

We can provide you with a HIP for:

• Freehold property £299 (no VAT payable)
• Leasehold property £325 (no VAT payable)

Is there a catch?

No once you have paid for the HIP it is yours, to do with as you want, you are not tied to us in any way.

How long does a HIP last?

Until the property is sold. If the property is taken off the market for less than a year and then re-marketed, the same HIP may be used.

How long is a HIP valid for?

Some documents can be no more than three months old when marketing starts, but there is no obligation to update the HIP as long as the property remains on the market. No component of the HIP should be more than 12 months old on the day the property goes on the market.

When can I market my property?

You can begin marketing as soon as payment has been taken, you then have 28 days in which to get the finished HIP. This changes on the 6th April 2009 when your HIP must be available before you can begin marketing your property.

How do I get a copy of my HIP?

Once your HIP is complete we will notify you by e-mail and place a link in your accounts area. You can then download or print it as required. We will also add your EPC data to your property details.

What's in a HIP?

The Home Information Pack Index

The Index lists the documents contained in the HIP and provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities. If a document that must be included in the HIP is unavailable, the Index must say so, give the reason it is missing, and list what steps are being taken to get it. The Index should be updated whenever documents are added or removed.

Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)

The Property Information Questionnaire needs to be completed by the seller. It provides a helpful checklist of simple information about a property buyers need to know before making any decision on the property.

Energy Performance Certificate/Predicted Energy Assessment

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property. New homes sold Ôoff-plan' will need to include a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA). The PEA should be replaced by an EPC when construction of the property is complete.

Sustainability information for newly built homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the environmental impact of a new home against nine categories. The code requirements only apply to new homes where a local council has received a building notice, initial notice or full plans application after 1 May 2008.

Newly built homes must have either:

• a certificate (or interim certificate) showing the sustainability of the home assessed against the standards under the Code for Sustainable Homes
• a nil-rated certificate where the property has not been assessed against the Code

Sale statement

The sale statement provides some basic information about the property, including:

• the address of the property being sold
• whether the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold
• whether the property is registered or unregistered
• whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession, for example with a sitting tenant
• in what capacity the seller is selling the property (for example, selling on behalf of a deceased owner)

Evidence of title

These documents prove who owns the property.

Registered property

If the property is registered, certain documents that are available on request from the Land Registry must be included in the HIP. These provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and consist of:

• official copies of the individual register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, typically, a charges register)
• an official copy of the title plan
• In the case of the sale of a commonhold interest, official copies of the register and title plan should be produced for both the unit and common parts.
• Unregistered land

For sales of unregistered land, the HIP must include copies of a certificate of an official search of the index map (from the Land Registry). Also, it must have the documents that the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property and the right to sell it.

Standard searches

The Home Information Pack must include:

• A search of the local land charges register for the property being sold. This is carried out by a local council or personal search company and you'll receive an official search certificate.
• A search of the records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers.
• This includes planning decisions and road building proposals. These are referred to as local enquiries in the Home Information Pack Regulations and are carried out by a local authority or personal search company.
• Details of the provision of drainage and water services to the property
• The local water company or a personal search company can be used (however, the search must comply with the HIP Regulations).

Leasehold and commonhold properties

A copy of the lease is the only additional required document in a HIP for the sale of a leasehold property.