HIP
Home Information Packs in Essex
A Home Information pack is a collection of information that needs to be assembled when you put a residential property on the market. By providing this information at the outset it is hoped that it will speed up the selling process, instil greater confidence and reduce the number of transactions that fall through. All types of home offered for sale are now required to have a HIP when they are put on the market. You are advised to refer to the The Home Information Pack (No 2) Regulations 2007: Procedural Guidance, for further advise which can be accessed from: www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk
As from 6th April 2009 a property can no longer be put on the market until a HIP is available, with the following documents, as a minimum requirement, creating a 'basic' pack. Ref to by Essex Domestic Energy Assessors a 'Lite Hip'
Index
A simple list of the contents of the HIP and notes any required documents that are outstanding (for example, a local property search)
Property Information Questionnaire
The PIQ contains simple information that the seller should know about the property including the risk of flooding, electrical safety and car parking. This provides the buyer with a useful checklist of information.
Sustainability Certificate (New Homes Only):
This provides information about the sustainability of a new home in relation to the materials used in the property, other aspects of its design and construction, and any services, fittings and equipment.
An Energy Performance Certificate
This certificate provides information on the energy efficiency, heating costs and carbon emissions of the property. The EPC will also provide some guidance on how the energy efficiency of the property could be improved. This part of the HIP can only be produced by a fully trained and accredited (licensed) Domestic Energy Assessor or Home Inspector who is a member of a government approved accreditation Scheme.
The DEA or HI will need to visit the property in order to undertake a methodical visual inspection of all relevant parts of the property. The information gathered from this inspection is then used to generate the certificate.
Sale Statement
This document contains basic information about the property and a brief summary of the terms of sale.
Evidence of Title
This consists of Official copies of the Land Registry document which details the legal ownership of the property.
The following documents, if unavailable when marketing begins, must be included in the HIPas soon as possible, and within 28 days.
Standard Searches
Local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search.
Additional 'Required' documents are necessary for the following types of property:
Unregistered Properties
A certificate of an official search of the index map, Good root of Title or abstract of Title.
Leasehold
Leasehold information including a copy of the lease.
Commonhold
Commonhold information including a copy of the commonhold community statement.
The following 'Authorised' documents may be voluntarily included in the Home Information Pack at the sellers discretion:
A Home Use Form, a Home Contents Form, a Home Condition Report, Other Searches, Guarantees and Warranties.
THE LAW ALLOWS FOR YOU TO PROVIDE YOUR OWN HOME INFORMATION PACK. AS YOU THEN OWN THE HIP YOU ARE ENTITLED TO TAKE IT TO ANY MARKETING AGENT YOU CHOOSE. SHOULD YOU THEN DECIDE TO CHANGE AGENTS YOU ARE FREE TO TRANSFER THE HIP BETWEEN THEM.
Roger John Gilbey t/a Essex Domestic Energy Assessors is registered with The Property Codes Compliance Board as a subscriber to the HIP Code