Home Information Packs

From the 6th April 2009 a property cannot be put on the market until a Home Information Pack (HIP) is available.

Drewery Property Services has made the process of obtaining a HIP very simple by creating a unique Fast Track Instruction Service. The Drewery Fast Track Instruction Services allows sellers to obtain their HIP as quickly as possible and avoid delays in getting their property on the market.

Call us on 020 8300 6761 x 206 for more information or to instruct us.

What is a Home Information Pack?

Home Information Packs (HIPs) are a simple way of making buying and selling a home easier, faster and less stressful. Information about a property is gathered in advance of a sale and compiled into a pack so that the seller, estate agent and potential buyers can all be reassured that there are no problems in key areas and can make informed decisions. The pack is produced in an electronic format (i.e. viewable on a computer), but can also be ordered in paper, CD or USB formats.

The following documents are needed as the minimum requirement, creating a “basic’ pack.

Index – This lists the contents of the HIP and notes any required documents that are outstanding (for example, a local property search).

Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ). This provides simple information that the seller should know about the property including the risk of flooding, electric safety and car parking.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Or predicted energy assessment, tells you how energy efficient the property is on a scale of A to G (where `A’ is the most efficient and `G’ is the least efficient).

For new homes, sustainability information on the effect a property has on the environment in nine categories including energy and water efficiency.

Sale Statement. Includes basic details about the sale including the name and address of the seller.

Title Plan & Register. Evidence of the title which for most properties will be official copies of the register and title plan held by the Land Registry.

The following documents, if unavailable when marketing begins, must be included in the HIP as soon as possible, and within 28 days.

Two local property searches, which contain important information about the property on issues such as traffic schemes, planning and building decisions that currently affect the property and what might be about to affect it. These searches can be produced by either the relevant local authority or a private search company. A drainage and water search must also be included which is usually provided by the relevant water company.

A copy of the lease (for leasehold properties only).

Documents showing proof of title (for unregistered properties only).