Questions and Answers
When do I have to provide a HIP?
Properties marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales will need a Home Information Pack (HIP), which includes a home energy rating.
The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate, containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title.
Currently, any property that was already on the market on the relevant commencement date (i.e. 1 August 2007 for sales of homes with four or more bedrooms; 10 September 2007 for those with three or more bedrooms and 14 December for all properties) does not need to have a HIP.
From the 1st of January 2009 all properties will require a Home Information Pack before it can go on the market.
What goes in a HIP?
A HIP includes documents that are required when homes are bought and sold. Some documents are mandatory and others optional.
The mandatory documents are:
An index (ie a list of the contents of the HIP)Documents that are optional include:
- A sale statement (summarising the terms of sale)
- Evidence of title
- Standard searches (ie local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Commonhold information (where appropriate)
- A copy of the lease (where appropriate)
- A Home Condition Report (HCR)
- Additional leasehold, information
- Guarantees and warranties
- Other searches relevant to the particular area
I'm selling my house privately - do I need a HIP?
If you are marketing your property, even if it's just by putting a 'for sale' sign in the window, you need a Pack. Sales where no marketing takes place (e.g. to a member of the family) won't need a Pack.
Who pays for the Pack?
The seller is responsible for the cost of a Home Information Pack.
How will I pay for the Pack?
YourHomeHips will collect payment at the time the energy survey is undertaken. Payment is acceptable by personal cheque, credit or debit card, or good old fashion cash. Your HIP searches will not be commissioned until cleared funds are received. We can also offer you a deferred payment option for 9 months. Please checkout our online quote system for further information.
Do I have to put electrical certificates in my Pack?
Electrical certificates (past or present) are not a required component of the Pack, but can be included if the seller has them.
I've lost guarantees of work I have had done - what do I do?
Don't worry - guarantees aren't a required component of the Pack, but can be included if you have them.