Home Information Packs
What is this?
Following a "phased introduction", if you are selling a home in England or Wales, you will now need a Home Information Pack to show to potential buyers. The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate, containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title.
Who is it for?
The Pack is intended to make the House Buying process easier and faster by assembling all the information, into one place, that buyers need to make an informed decision to purchase. There are a number of key components in the HIP, which are: An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack), an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a sale statement (summarising terms of sale), evidence of title, standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search), where appropriate, commonhold information (including a copy of the commonhold community statement), where appropriate, leasehold information (including a copy of the lease, information on service charges and insurance), where appropriate, a New Homes Warranty or where appropriate, a report on a home that is not physically complete. Home owners are also encouraged to add the optional Home Condition Report (HCR) to provide an overview of the condition of the property.
Who is it not for?
You do not need a HIP for a property where there is no marketing (e.g. sale to a member of your family), it is non-residential or is seasonal or holiday accommodation, it is a mixed sale (e.g. shop with flat), not being sold with completely vacant possession, is unsafe or to be demolished or if it was already on the market when the duty to have a Pack arose. HIPs are also not needed for Right to Buy and similar sales and sales of portfolios of properties.
