Home Information Packs (HIPs) contain a variety of important information for both buyers and sellers of properties. They are made up of a series of documents, not all of which are compulsory for the packs.
But what information do these packs contain?
The pack index page is effectively a check list for buyers, sellers, estate agents and other authorities.
It simply lists the documents that are included in the pack, and if a document is missing or unavailable, should give a reason why it is not included and detail what action has been taken to obtain the document. If information is added, removed or revised after the pack is completed, the index must be edited to reflect this.
The new Energy Performance Certificate is a core part of the new pack, and is designed to rate homes on their energy efficiency.
The sale statement provides basic information about the property, such as its address and the type of property - for example whether it is a flat or a house. It will also tell prospective buyers whether the property is being sold as freehold, commonhold or leasehold, as well as who is selling the property and whether or not the property is part of a registered estate.
It should also give information about whether the home is being sold with vacant possession - i.e. that the property will be vacated before completion of the sale.
The pack must include the local land charges register for the property being sold. This search can be carried out by a local authority or a private search company, and will result in a certificate being issued. A document relating to the provision of drainage and water services must also be included, and again a private search company can be used as an alternative to the local water company.
Other records, such as planning decisions and road building proposals should also be included as they may be of interest to buyers. These are referred to as "local searches" in the HIP regulations.
Other optional searches, such as a mining search in former mining areas, can also optionally be included.
This section contains documents that prove the seller owns the property and has the legal right to sell it. It includes official copies of the individual register - made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, usually, a charges register. It will also contain an official copy of the title plan.
Some of these documents may be available from the Land Registry if the property is registered.
For sales of unregistered land, the Pack must include copies of a certificate of an official search of the index map and those documents that the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property.
This is a report on the actual physical condition of the property, and must be entirely accurate, as it must legally be reliable for buyers and lenders. Despite being only a voluntary part of HIPs, these are expected to be an important part of the pack, and the Government believes sellers who include this document will reap significant benefits.
They will give sellers an opportunity to carry out repair work prior to marketing the property, while buyers can use it to avoid unexpected repair bills at a later date.
An optional summary of the potentially complex legal jargon that may make the packs easier to understand for buyers.
A document giving information on a range of matters about the property, such as boundaries, planning permissions and services shared with neighbours. They may also detail what fixtures, fittings and other contents are included in the sale.