Home Information Packs

I'm selling my house - will I need a Home Information Pack?

If you are in England or Wales, and are bringing a property with four or more bedrooms to the market after August 1st 2007 then you will need a HIP. It could potentially be possible to get round the HIP legislation by marketing your home as three bedrooms and converting one of the bedrooms in to a study/play room/living room, however this could adversely affect the price of the home. Also, it is expected that smaller homes will require HIPs in the near future.

They are currently not required in Northern Ireland, but the packs are due to be introduced in Scotland in some form in 2008.

How much will it cost?

The true cost of a HIP has been the source of wide debate, with some critics of the scheme claiming they will cost up to £1000 to compile. However, it is expected that the true cost will be somewhere between £400 and £700. The cost is to be paid by the seller - the buyer does not contribute.

What is in a HIP?

Home Information Packs (HIPs) contain a variety of important information for both buyers and sellers of properties. For a full breakdown of what is contained in a HIP, see out what's inside a HIP section.

Where do I get one?

The person who is responsible for marketing the property - in most cases the estate agent - will have a pack commissioned before the property comes to market. They can take up to two weeks to compile.

Can I do it myself?

It is possible to have a pack compiled if you are marketing the property independently of an estate agent. You will have to have the appropriate searches carried, either through a solicitor or conveyancer or by approaching the local authority or a personal search company. Legal documents, such as evidence of title, can be obtained by solicitors or by contacting the land registry.

You will also need to find an Energy Assessor to do the Energy Performance Certificate and a Home Inspector if you wish to include a Home Condition Report.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

This document contains information on the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a home. It is compiled by an Energy Assessor, and will cost between £100 and £150. For full details of the new Energy Performance Certificates, see our dedicated energy performance certificates (EPC) section.

What will happen if I don't get one?

Anyone found to be in breach of the HIP regulations could face a penalty charge of £200, as well as having to take the property off the market until they meet the regulations. Continuing to market a property without meeting the rules could result in further penalty notices.