Home Information Packs

It is a legal requirement  for the person marketing a residential property in England and Wales to provide a Home Information Pack (HIP).

The purpose of the HIP is to provide the buyer with important information at a much earlier stage in the sale process, thereby saving time and also reducing the risks of failed transactions and wasted money. In accordance with EU directives it also includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Each pack contains seven required documents:  Index, Energy Performance Certificate, Sale Statement (ie what is being sold and by whom), Evidence of Title and Title Plan (both provided by HM Land Registry), Local Authority Search and Water/Drainage Search.

The pack may also contain additional authorised documents such as the Copy of a Lease, Warranties and a Home Condition Report.

It s possible for an individual to compile their own HIP, however an EPC can only be produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor or Home Inspector.

A HIP typically takes 5 – 10 working days to produce as the various documents come from different sources, however the property can currently be marketed as soon as the HIP has been ordered and paid for. The EPC is normally produced within 24 hours of a visit.

Are There Any Exemptions?

Not every property requires a HIP – here are the major exemptions. If in doubt, you should raise the question before ordering your HIP.

• Properties that are not being marketed (eg sold to a family member)
• Seasonal/holiday accomodation
• Properties mainly in business use (eg Bed and Breakfast/Dental Surgery)
• Mixed Sales (eg Shop with Flat above)
• Right-to-buy and similar sales
• A portfolio of properties sold together
• Properties sold with sitting tenants
• Unsafe properties and properties due to be demolished
• Properties due for conversion to non-residential use (with planning consent)
• Properties with leases remaining of less than 21 years 

Our HIP Service

We provide a complete, efficient and fully insured HIP service or are happy to produce just the components that you need. We offer a personal service with one point of contact all the way through the process from a short telephone conversation to EPC appointment and delivering the completed HIP with the minimum of fuss. If required, the energy assessor producing the EPC can also produce professional floorplans at the same visit.