Home Information Packs - a guide for HIP providers
Introduction
A Home Information Pack (HIP) is now 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 of less than 21 years.
Anyone marketing a property for sale in England and Wales - whether they are a housing developer, an estate agent or auctioneer, a private individual - is responsible for ensuring a HIP is in place and made available to prospective 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 is for any business that provides HIPs. It describes what information is required, where it can be obtained and what the procedure is if consumers complain. For information for specific types of business, see our section on Home Information Packs.
Subjects covered in this guide
- Introduction
- Obligations of Home Information Pack providers
- What a Home Information Pack must contain
- Information for leasehold and commonhold properties
- Obtaining Energy Performance Certificates and Home Condition Reports
- Dealing with complaints about Home Information Packs
- Complaints procedures for Home Information Pack providers
