HIP Background Info

The Home Infomation Pack

As all householders should be aware the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive began to be implemented from the 1st August 2007. Every property placed on the market has to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Even if the HIP is cancelled, the EPC initiative will continue as the Government are fully committed to this European Directive.

A HIP will include the following:

  • Terms of Sale
  • Evidence of Ownership
  • Energy Performance Certificate
  • Replies to standard preliminary questions made by buyers
  • Copies of any planning, listed building and building regulations, consents and approvals
  • For new properties, copies of warranties and guarantees
  • Any guarantee for work carried out on property
  • Replies to searches made at the local authority
  • Home Condition Report or Survey (if applicable)

There are a number of reasons why Home Information Packs have been introduced since 1st August:

  • Reducing disappointments for sellers - Sellers will know that buyers are making informed decisions about properties, reducing the likelihood of surprises coming up later in the process and delaying the sale.
  • Fewer nasty surprises for buyers - Buyers will have the information they need before deciding to buy a home. This means they're less likely to discover nasty surprises after a sale has been agreed.
  • Sale success rates should improve - At the moment, around a quarter of property sales fail after terms have been agreed. HIPs should help to lower this figure.
  • The cost of failed transactions should fall - Failed transactions currently cost consumers millions of pounds a week. HIPs should bring these costs down.
  • Transactions should be completed faster - Under the current system, UK transactions take on average twice as long as European ones. HIPs should speed things up.
  • The home buying process will be simpler for first time buyers.

So, from 14th December 2007 all homes will require a Home Information Pack to be provided to prospective buyers when marketed for sale. A mandatory part of this Home Information Pack is the EPC, which provides information on the

  • energy efficiency
  • heating costs
  • carbon emissions of the property.

It is anticipated that up to 4 million properties annually will require energy assessment through both the Home Information Pack process and similar initiatives in the social housing and private rented sectors. All EPC's will be produced by accredited (licensed) Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA) and in order to join an accreditation scheme a candidate must first gain an approved qualification.

EMDEA are fully licensed, qualified and accredited practioners in the production of the Energy Performance Certificate