Frequently Asked Questions
Q.WHAT IS A HOME INFORMATION PACK (HIP)?
A. A Home Information Pack (HIP) is a collection of documents provided by the seller or their representatives about a property they are selling. A HIP is now mandatory for any property sold in England unless it is exempt as defined by legislation (please see further below)
Q.WHAT DOES A HIP CONTAIN?
A. The HIP contains the following required documents: • Index • Energy Performance Certificate • Sale Statement • Evidence of Title • Standard Searches • Documents surrounding the Lease (Leasehold only)
Q. WHICH PROPERTIES DO NOT NEED A HIP?
A. A Home Information Pack will not be required on the following:- Properties in Scotland and Northern Ireland Private sales where the property is not offered on the open market (eg. to a family member, neighbour, or friend); Non-residential property or where homes are in mixed use with commercial property; Properties sold without vacant possession, i.e. with tenants. Portfolios of residential property; 'Right to Buy' sales by Local Authorities or other social landlords; Homes held on a lease of less than 21 years; Unsafe property, which poses a serious risk to visitors. It must be clear from the marketing that it is unsuitable for occupation. Property due to be demolished. It must be clear from the marketing that the property is suitable for demolition and that all the relevant planning permissions are in place
Q. DO I NEED A PACK BEFORE MARKETING THE PROPERTY?
A. No, but the seller must have commissioned a HIP pack at the time the property is marketed. Please note, as of June 2008 you will require a HIP before you can market your property
Q. WHO’s RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING A HIP?
A. The duty to provide a HIP falls to the "responsible person" marketing the property. In the case of a private sale, the responsible person is that individual that makes public the fact that the property is for sale. In most cases this is the appointed Estate agent, but it can be solicitors, the person selling the property or anyone else instructed to sell or oversee the process by the owner.
Q. HOW IS THE HIP DELIVERED?
A. The HIP can be a paper document, on a CD/USB or in another electronic format such an email attachment. We recommend that HIPs & EPCs are delivered via electronic format to cut down on paper and reduce our carbon footprint. (The HIP can exceed over 120 pages!)
Q. HOW LONG DOES A HIP TAKE?
A. As a general guide HIP should be available within 7 working days, however this is dependent on search result and information from local authorities and subsequently can take longer.
Q. HOW LONG IS THE PACK VALID FOR?
A. The pack is valid for as long as the property is on the market (on sale).
Q.WHAT IS AN ENERGY PERFORMNCE CERTIFICATE?
A. The government is committed to comply with EU Directive 2002/91/EC which aims to promote improvements in the energy performance of buidings. The EU directive requires an energy performance certificate for all dwellings at the time of sale. The certificate will give prospective purchasers an easy to read guide to the likely energy costs of occupying the property in a similar way that current 'white goods' have an efficiency label. Domestic energy consumption causes 25% of national CO2 emissions, and heating uses 90% of energy in the home. Improvement in the energy efficiency of our homes is therefore important in reducing our overall emissions.
Q. HOW LONG WILL THE SURVEY TAKE?
A. We will normally be on site for approximately one hour. The calculations are completed at our office and the Certificate will be produced within 24 hours.
Q. WILL I NEED TO BE AT HOME WHEN THE SURVEYOR ARRIVES?
A. It would be preferable if you are at home as we may need to ask a few simple questions. However you can instruct anyone else to be present if you are not available or we can collect keys and proceed alone if it’s convenient.
Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE?
A. The Certificate will look broadly similar to the certificate on new ‘white goods’. Its purpose is to record in a clear unambiguous format, how energy efficient the home is as a building. Using colour charts, the EPC records the current rating and compares this with potential rating at which the owner should aim.
Q. WHO CAN PRODUCE THE ENERGY CERTIFICATE?
A. The Energy Performance Certificate can only be completed by a qualified and licensed Domestic Energy Assessors or Home Inspectors