Home Information Pack

Recent changes in the law dictate that anyone now looking to market a property for sale need to present the buying public with a Home Information Pack or HIP.

The idea of a HIP is that by collating information with regard to the property at an earlier stage, the whole process should be rendered both simpler and quicker. The reality of the packs is that they can make a positive difference to the transaction, providing such an agreement to sell is reached within a short time of the pack having been completed as certain elements will be go out of date. Whilst for many the added cost can seem unnecessary, the increased focus on the energy efficiency of our domestic homes must be applauded.

The required documents for the Home Information Pack are:

• An Index
• A Sales Statement
• An Energy Performance Certificate (An assessment of the energy consumption of the house which is then graded rather like a washing machine! Often called an EPC)
• Evidence of Title (Normally Land Registry copy documents from their website)
• A Local Authority Search
• A Drainage & Water Search
• Leasehold information (If applicable)

It is important to realise that the HIP, EPC or any element of it is not a pass or fail exercise. Whilst they do provide information on the property for any would be buyer, we must all remember that if homes were bought on the basis of facts and figures, nobody would every buy a Grade II Listed Georgian Farmhouse - And we all know that many people would love too!

The provision of a HIP does not change the basic process that needs to be followed in selling or buying your home, but should assist both sides in attempting to simplify some elements of the Conveyancing process at an earlier stage.

We offer Home Information Packs directly from local suppliers and can offer a variety of flexible finance options to suit your budget as well as further explanations and information if required.