HIPs - Home Information Packs

Home Information Packs (commonly known as a HIPs) represents a change in the marketplace for buying and selling properties of three bedrooms or more, effective from 10th September 2007. From this date, it is required by law that a vendor provides a HIP to any purchaser requesting it. This legislation is intended to provide more information about a property for potential purchasers so that they are better informed and fewer transactions fail to complete due to lack of such information.

The HIP is a package of documents supplied by a vendor which must include:

• an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), with rating (A-G)
  regarding insulation, CO2 performance
• suggested improvements to the EPC rating
• basic title documents
• local authority search
• water and drainage search
• warranties and guarantees (for new properties)

For leasehold properties:

• a copy of the lease
• service charge information and documents
• building insurance policy details
• information and regulations about the landlord or management company

Further information is available from the government’s website: www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk