HIPs
Home Information Packs (HIP)
What is a Home Information Pack (HIP)?
From the 14th December 2007 all properties in England and Wales will require a Home information Pack to be commissioned before the property can be marketed.
A Home Information Pack is the New Government legislation designed to make buying and selling houses quicker and more informative. The pack contains advice on reducing fuel bills and omissions of the property, standard searches and evidence of title. It is the responsibility of the seller to provide the pack to prospective buyers of the property.
A HIP is valid for the whole time that the property is continuously marketed. If the sale of the property falls through, it may be necessary to commission a new pack unless the remarketing starts again within one year of when the pack was first commissioned.
Who is exempt from needing a HIP?
- Properties where no marketing has taken place (e.g. sale to a member of the family)
- Non-residential properties
- Sale of portfolio of properties
- Seasonal and Holiday accommodation
- Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished
- Mixed Sales (e.g. shop with flat)
- Right to buy and similar sales
- New homes built under part L of the Building Regulations 2006
- Properties not being sold with completely vacant possession