Home Information Packs - a guide for estate agents and auctioneers

Introduction

A Home Information Pack (HIP) is required for most homes put on the market with vacant possession on or after 14 December 2007. There are a few exceptions, including mixed use properties (such as a flat and shop being sold together), portfolio sales or sales of properties with leases originally granted for less than 21 years.

Anyone marketing a home for sale in England and Wales - whether they are an estate agent or auctioneer, a housing developer or private individual - is responsible for ensuring that a HIP is in place and made available to potential buyers.

HIPs are designed to bring information upfront to increase certainty and inform buyers about a property before they incur costs. Informed choice by buyers at the start of the process will help reduce delays later on and reduce wasted time for sellers.

This guide describes the responsibilities of estate agents and auctioneers, how to provide a HIP and what happens when you receive a complaint. For general guidance on HIPs and information for other types of business, see our section on Home Information Packs.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Estate agent and auctioneer obligations
• Compiling a Home Information Pack
• Making the Home Information Pack available
• Complaints procedure - the Property Ombudsman
• Complaints procedure - Surveyors Ombudsman Service

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