WHY Home Information Packs?

The Government responded to the EU requirement for homes to have an energy assessment by incorporating them into a new home seller's pack called a HIP. This was introduced in 2007 and as well as an Energy Certificate includes other documents intended to simplify the process of selling a home.

These are:

• a Home Information Pack Index
• a Sale Statement
• standard Local Searches  
• evidence of Title
• other documents for leasehold or commonhold properties.

It was originally intended that a survey called a Home Condition Report should be included in the Pack but this is now an optional extra. An Energy Performance Certificate, however, remains compulsory for all houses or flats put up for sale. This will extend to rented properties later in 2008.

You can order a Home Information Pack including an EPC or you can order an EPC on its own.

Fees for a complete HIP start at £220

Fee structure:

1 bedroom property                                 £220

2 bedroom property                                 £230

3 bedroom property                                 £240

4 bedroom property                                 £250

5 bedroom (and above) property           £260

Leasehold properties require extra searches so a flat fee of £45 is added to the above.