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HOME INFORMATION PACKS (HIP) – DO YOU NEED ONE?

If you are placing your house on the market you need to be aware of the latest government regulations and Astle Paterson can provide a reliable HIP service.

• Why have HIPs been introduced?

The government has introduced HIPs in an attempt to speed up the home buying and selling process by providing all the necessary legal documents at the start of the process when you put your house on the market.

Another important reason is the opportunity to protect the environment by providing practical information on how to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions.

• What does a HIP contain?

The required documents that must be included in each HIP are:

• An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack)
• A property Information Questionnaire (PIC) - a helpful checklist for buyers of simple information they need about the property.
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) - information on the energy and carbon emission efficiency of a property.
• A certificate or interim certificate (for new builds) showing the sustainability of the home where it complies with the standards under the Code for Sustainable Homes or a nil-rated certificate where the property has not been assessed under the code.
• A sale statement (summarising the terms of the sale)
• Evidence of title - documents that prove that the seller owns and has the right to sell the property.
• Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and drainage and water searches)
• Where appropriate, commonhold information (including a copy of the commonhold community statement)
• Where appropriate, leasehold information (including a copy of the lease, information on service charges and insurance)
• Where appropriate, a New Homes Warranty or a report on a home that is not physically complete

Other documents are optional and can also be included:

• Home Condition Report
• Legal summary in plain english
• Home contents form
• Non-standard searches e.g. rights of way, ground stability, environmental hazards and mining

• Why should you choose Astle Paterson to provide your HIP?

Our conveyancing team led by Julie Footitt have many years of experience in providing a quality service to our clients.

HIPs contain a large amount of complex, legal information and solicitors are best placed to prepare and interpret these packs:

• guaranteed compliant with HIP legislation
• flexible, allowing inclusion of additional authorised items to assist you in marketing your property
• seamlessly links into the conveyancing process
• competitively priced