Home Information Packs (HIPS)

Any person or persons wishing to sell their home will now need a Home Information Pack. This is a pack that must accompany any house sale after 10th September that has 3 bedrooms or more.

The HIP must contain the following:

1. Home Information Pack Index
   This is the list of all the documents in the pack. Documents that should be in the pack should be listed with the reason for why it isn't there and any steps being taken to obtain it.
2. Energy Performance Certificate
   This tells you how energy efficient your home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient home would be in band A, which should have the lowest fuel bills. It also rates your home again on a scale of A-G, as to its impact on the environment. Better rated homes have less carbon dioxide emissions. It should also include recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home - thus saving you money and helping the environment.
   The average property in the UK is in band D or E for both ratings.
3. Sale Statement
   This will contain basic information about the property.
   a. The address
   b. Whether it is freehold, leasehold or common hold
   c. Whether it is registered or unregistered
   d. Whether it has vacant possession or not
4. Standard Searches
   This must include:
   a. The local land charges register relating to the property being sold. Once the search is completed, you will receive an official search certificate. (The search can be done by the local authority or independently by a personal search company).
   b. Other records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers such as any planning decisions which may affect the property or any road building proposals. These are referred to as local enquiries
   c. The provision of drainage and water services to the property, the local water company or personal search company can be used. The search company must comply with HIP regulations.
5. Evidence of Title
   This document proves that the seller owns the property and has the right to sell it.
   Where the property is registered, certain documents must be obtained from the land registry
   i.e - Official copies of the individual register, plus an official copy of the title plan
6. Leasehold Properties
   Also required are:-
   a. A copy of the lease
   b. Any regulations or fuels that apply to the property that aren't included in the lease (any proposed changes)
   c. A summary of service charges covering the previous 26 months
   d. The most recent requests for payment of service charges, ground rent, insurance against damage for the building where the property is situated, insurance in respect of personal injury caused by or within the building in the 12 months previous to marketing, where appropriate.
   e. The name and address of the current or proposed lessor and details of any agent appointed to manage the property.
   f. A summary of any works being done or proposed that will affect the property.

A Home Condition Report

This contains information on the physical condition of the property which can be legally relied on as an accurate report.

A Legal Summary

The HIP will contain some legal documents which can be difficult to understand. An easy to understand summary could be helpful. NB Buyers should have their own legal advice as well.

Home Use/Contents Forms

This includes information on boundaries, notices, services, sharing with neighbours, planning permissions and other matters of interest.
Also which fixtures, fittings and other contents are included in the sale.

Other Documents

These may include a mining search or potential environmental hazards such as flooding and contaminated land.
Any guarantees or warranties for work already carried out.

The Financial Services Authority does not regulate Home Information Packs