As you will no doubt have seen in the media, the government’s Home Information Pack scheme has now been extended to include almost every residential property in England & Wales.

You will now need to commission a HIP unless your property falls into one of the following exceptions;

• Sold with tenants in residence.
• Has both business and residential activities
• Sold as part of a commercial property.
• Part of a portfolio of properties.
• Unsafe properties and properties due for demolition.
• Land over 5 hectares.
• Until April 2008, most newbuild properties
• Seasonal and holiday accommodation.

The mandatory contents of the pack include;

• The HIP Index
• The Energy Performance Certificate
• Sale Statement
• Evidence of Title
• Local Authority & Water / Drainage Search
• Leasehold Documentation (if appropriate)

Although this is the legal minimum requirement for a HIP this is by no means the minimum requirement necessary for the conveyancing process.

The legal requirement is to simply have ordered the HIP in order to commence marketing of the property, however the government will at some point revise this meaning the HIP must be in your Agent’s possession before they can commence marketing.

If your property was on the market before 1st August you will not need a HIP however the Government will set a date when all properties that remain on the market will be required to have one. Contrary to what your agent may tell you (especially if you are thinking of switching agents) you will not require a HIP at this time.

You may of course choose to get a HIP voluntarily as they may be helpful in securing a faster sale because some of the legal documentation is available at the outset, so the sale is likely to proceed more quickly once a buyer is found. This reduces the window of opportunity within which your sale could fall through.

There are a number of different places where you can obtain a HIP for your property. Most reputable Estate Agents will have agreements in place with HIP providers, many Solicitors also provide them or you may go direct to the many HIP providers advertising on the internet.

We are able to offer our clients the following options;

• Make your own arrangements for production of a HIP with a provider of your choice.
• Pay the full cost of the HIP on signing our sale agreement direct to our HIP provider, currently £280 including VAT
• Pay for the HIP from the proceeds of sale at financial completion or if the property is withdrawn from the market by either the client or the agent, or after 9 months from the date of first marketing (whichever occurs first) at a current price of £345 including VAT