Home Information Packs (HIPS)
Home Information Packs (HIPS)
Home Information Packs (HIP)
Why do you need a HIP?
A HIP is a set of documents that provides the buyer with key information on the property and must be provided by the seller or the seller's agent. It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and you can't market your property without one.
The HIP lets buyers see important information about the property at the start of the process, free of charge. This means there is less chance of buyers becoming aware of any surprises at the end of the process. The HIP can help reduce delays and extra expense to the buyer and seller.
What does a Home Information Pack (HIP) Contain?
The HIP is made up of required (compulsory) and authorised (optional) items.
There shouldn't be any marketing or advertising material in the pack, so make sure it contains official information only.
Listed below are all the compulsory documents that need to be included.
Compulsory documents
The following documents must be included in your Home Information Pack (HIP):
Freehold properties
- Home Information Pack Index
- Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA)
- sustainability information (required for newly built homes)
- Sale Statement
- evidence of title
- standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)
Leasehold properties
- all the compulsory documents above
- a copy of the lease
Buyers
From 6 April 2009, the HIP must be available on the first day a property is marketed for sale. If you are buying a property, just ask whoever is advertising it for sale for a copy of the Home Information Pack. This is usually an estate agent, but could be another business or individual.
They must give you a copy of the pack free of charge. However, they may make a reasonable charge to cover the costs of copying and posting it.