Home Information Packs (HIPs)
On 14 December 2007 the next phase of the roll-out of Home Information Packs was introduced. This means that all homes, regardless of the number of bedrooms, marketed for sale require a HIP.
Home Information Packs must contain an Energy Performance Certificate and other key documents such as evidence of title, local authority and drainage and water searches together with key leasehold documents where appropriate.
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The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack.
- Home Information Pack Index
The Index provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities. Where a document that must be included in the Pack is unavailable, the Index must say so, give the reason it is missing, and indicate what steps are being taken to obtain it. Where documents are added to or removed from the Pack at a later stage, the Index should be revised accordingly.
- Energy Performance Certificate
Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A.
The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the property has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment.
- Sale statement
The sale statement should provide some basic information about the property, including:
- The address of the property being sold
- Whether the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold
- Whether the property is registered or unregistered
- Whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession.
- Standard searches
The Home Information Pack must include:
- Entries on the local land charges register relating to the property being sold. Once a search is completed, which can be carried out by a personal search company or a local authority, you will receive an official search certificate.
- Other records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers, such as planning decisions and road building proposals. These are referred to as local enquiries in the Home Information Pack regulations. Again, a local authority or a personal search company can be used.
- Details of the provision of drainage and water services to the property. The local water company or a personal search company can be used (however, the search must comply with the HIP Regulations).
- Evidence of title
These documents prove that the seller owns the property and therefore has the right to sell it. Where the property being sold is registered, certain documents that are available on request from the Land Registry must be included in the Pack. These provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and consist of:
- Official copies of the title register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, usually, a charges register)
- An official copy of the title plan
In the case of the sale of a commonhold interest, official copies of the register and title plan should be produced for both the unit and common parts. The Land Registry has details of additional requirements for sales of commonhold properties.
For sales of unregistered land, the Pack must include copies of a certificate of an official search of the index map (obtained from the Land Registry), and those documents that the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property, and thus the right to sell it.
- Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.
Until 31 December 2008 it is possible to market a property without all of the compulsory documents provided they have been commissioned.
Home Information Packs are complex legal documents and it makes sense to use specialist property lawyers to prepare them. If you are thinking of selling your property, contact us now for a competitively priced, locally and expertly prepared HIP from an independent provider - no tie-ins, no catches, no delays to your sale!