The idea behind Home Information Packs is to make the process of buying or selling your house easier and quicker, by providing key documents when the property is first put on the market.  Currently this information is not usually available until after an offer has been made and accepted.  The goal is to deliver a more transparent and efficient process, thereby reducing the number of failed transactions, which currently cost consumers over £350m per year.

The only new document not currently required for conveyancing is the energy performance certificate.