Homematters Developers - Home Information Packs HIP

Home Information Packs

General Information

What are Home Information Packs (HIPs)?

Since 14th December 2007 all residential properties in England and Wales which come on to the market require a Home Information Pack (HIP) by law. The idea is that the packs will contain information that will allow buyers to make more informed decisions about buying the property, encourage a better stock of properties for sale, and an overall aim of facilitating smoother transactions for the sale of properties in the UK, avoiding delay through lack of disclosure.

Some properties are exempt from requiring a pack, which include but are not limited to; those sold privately with no marketing i.e. to a family member; seasonal homes; mixed sales i.e. shop and flat combined and right to buys. However, the seller (in case of a private on-line sale) or the person/agent/business responsible for marketing the property will face a £200 fine for every occasion they are found marketing without a HIP.

Validity of HIPs?

A HIP is valid while the property is continuously marketed and a new HIP must be commissioned to put
the same property back on to the market in the event of a break.

Mandatory documents contained in a HIP include:

An index of contents

This index is simply a list of all the documentation contained within the pack.

Sale statement

This document provides basic information about the property, including:

The address of the property being sold;
The tenure of the property i.e. if the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold;
Whether the property is registered or unregistered;
Whether the property is being sold with vacant possession.

Evidence of title

These documents prove the seller owns the property and therefore has the right to sell it.

In the case of a registered property (where property title details are recorded with Land Registry), the documentation will consist of official copies of the individual register (showing details of the property, proprietorship and any charges associated with the property) and an official copy of the title plan. Where a commonhold property is involved, copies should be provided for the unit and the common parts.

In the case of an unregistered property, the pack must include copies of a certificate of an official search of the index map (which is obtained from Land Registry), and the title deeds/documents the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property, and therefore the right to sell it.

Standard searches

Search of the local Land Charges Register – an official search certificate showing any land charges which could be inherited, prohibitions held against the property or land and warning of proposals affecting the land or property.

A local authority search – showing any records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers, such as planning decisions and road building proposals.

A water and drainage search – revealing information on how the dwelling receives its water, where the public sewers are and how these might affect your plans i.e. whether there are sewers or water mains running through the garden, which could prevent the building of extensions or conservatories, information on whether the sewers have been adopted as otherwise liability for repairs or clearing blockages rests with the householder.

Searches should not be no more than 3 months old at any time from the start of marketing.

Energy Performance Certificate

This certificate certifies how energy efficient a home is on a coloured scale ranging from A-G (the same as those for example seen on fridges and washing machines for sale – “A” being the most efficient and “G” the least). A qualified Domestic Energy Assessor will need to visit your home to provide this certificate.