Home Information Packs (HIPs)
What's In A HIP
A Home Information Pack is a collection of information about a property which is provided by the seller or the seller's representative. The pack is intended to improve the home buying and selling process in England & Wales, currently subject to a 30% failure rate.
Under the current system, key information is not available to either buyers or sellers until a sale is agreed. This often results in costly issues arising later than necessary in the sale process. The government intends that by using a HIP, this information will be provided up front, potential buyers will be able to make an informed decision, preventing delays and misunderstandings later in the process.
The pack must contain:
Index
- An Energy Performance Certificate
- Sale Statement
- Evidence of title
- Replies to standard searches
Additionally, leasehold properties will need to provide:
- A copy of the lease
Other documents which may be included:
- A Home Condition Report (HCR)
- A property information form
- A fixtures and fittings form
- A summary or explanation of any pack document
- Information identifying the property including a description, photograph, map, plan or drawing of the property.
