What is a Home Information Pack?
A Home Information Pack (HIP) is a set of documents which legally must be provided by a seller, which will give a potential buyer key information about the property for sale

Why do I have to have one?
It is law from the 14th December 2007 for all new instructions and the Government considers it important that by providing certain information up front, at the time of marketing the property, it will make the home buying and selling process more efficient and transparent.

How much will a HIP cost?
This will vary according to the type of HIP you have (for example if you include any authorised documents) and whether your property is freehold or leasehold.

How long will it take to put my property on the market?
Until 1st January 2009, a property can be marketed as soon as a HIP has been ordered (proof of this is required). 
After that date the property can be offered for sale as soon as the EPC and land registry documents are ready. 
In most cases we are producing these documents in less than 3 days.  The rest of the documents (searches and leasehold documents) have to be assembled within 28 days of marketing the property.

How long does a HIP last?
Until the home is sold. The same pack can be used during the first year however many times the property is withdrawn and remarketed, but then only if the property is off the market for less than 28 days after the first year.

Do I have to update my HIP?
There is no obligation on you or us to renew anything in your HIP.  If something significant happens whilst the property is on the market, then you may choose to do so, but it is the buyer’s solicitor’s responsibility to check if any documents need renewing.

Are HIPs required across the UK?
No - only in England and Wales

I’m selling my house privately - do I need a Home Information Pack?
If you are marketing your property, even if it’s just by putting a ‘for sale’ sign in the window, you need a Pack. Sales where no marketing takes place (e.g. to a member of the family) won’t need a Pack.

Do I have to put electrical certificates in my Pack?
Electrical certificates (past or present) are not a required component of the Pack, but can be included if the seller has them.

I’ve lost guarantees of work I have had done - what do I do?
Don’t worry - guarantees aren’t a required component of the Pack, but can be included if you have them.

Should the pack include a Home Condition Report?
A Home Condition Report could help you sell your property more quickly if it shows that it is in good condition, or if it highlights any problems straight away for potential buyers, it can avoid nasty surprises for buyers later in the process.

What happens to Energy Performance Certificates once they’re complete?
All domestic Energy Performance Certificates are lodged in a central database. Our Energy Assessors lodge them as they produce them, and each is given a unique reference number. Access to the database is restricted, so only those who have the unique reference number can access the certificate for a particular property.

Does a Domestic Energy Assessor need to inspect my property?
Yes, there is information required to compile the certificate that can only be obtained by visiting the property, and the assessor is likely to be in your property for on average an hour, although this will vary according to the size of the property.

Who will be able to answer any queries I have?
We are your first point of call; don’t worry if you have a technical question on HIPs or EPCs, we can be contacted on 01296 311885 or help@premierHIPs.com

www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk contains much more detailed information if you have any other questions.