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Ready or Not!
By James Laband, Senior Partner

Home Information Packs (HIPs) will become compulsory from 1 June. From that date anyone wishing to sell residential property will need a “pack” of minimum information and documents prepared before they will be able to put their home on the market.

The Government’s stated purpose by introducing HIPs is to improve the home buying process, although there is little doubt that new European home energy efficiency requirements have also been a significant impetuous. Surprisingly, much of the detail as to how the scheme will work in practice remains unclear until further Government regulations are issued.

-		A Sale statement which must be a brief statement of the property being sold
-		Official Copies of the Land Registry title record and plan for the property (confirming current ownership)
-		Local Authority, Drainage and Water Searches
-		An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

The EPC is very much a new element to the house selling process. It requires a comprehensive energy assessment of the property providing energy efficiency and environmental impact ratings for the property. The EPC will also have to contain an evaluation of the cost of providing heating, lighting and hot water to the property; and indicate any potential improvements which can be made to lower those energy costs.

Additional details and documents will also have to be provided for new or converted properties, or where the flat or home is leasehold.

Senior Partner James Laband commented “The introduction of HIPs will undoubtedly have a direct effect on the process of buying or selling residential properties. This is still rather a “moving target” at the moment as further regulations are expected shortly. However, we are already preparing for the changes and will be a registered HIP provider, as part of the process of ensuring that our Clients continue to receive the high standard of residential property services they have come to expect from us.”

Jackaman Smith & Mulley provide a full range of residential and commercial conveyancing services. Please contact James Laband on 01379 643555 or via e-mail at james.laband@jsm.co.uk.