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More about HIPs
As part of the Government commitment to making, buying and selling homes easier, Part 5 of the Housing Act 2004 has introduced a legal obligation on home-owners or their selling agents to have a Home Information Pack available when marketing homes for sale. This is set out in more detail in the Home Information Pack Regulations 2006.
Home Information Packs will provide important information to prospective purchasers at the very start of their interest in a new home, giving increased transparency on key issues and meaning any offer to purchase is based on an informed decision.
If you're unsure what a Home Information Pack is, or what Home Information Packs contain, we've answered some frequently asked questions below:-
A Home Information Pack is likely to contain:-
- Terms of sale
- Evidence of title
- Copies of any planning, listed building and building regulations consents and approvals
- Copies of warranties and guarantees, for new properties
- Guarantees for any work carried out on the property
- Local search replies
- An energy performance certificate
Additionally, for leasehold properties:
- A copy of the lease
- Most recent service charge accounts and receipts
- Building insurance policy details and payment receipts
- Regulations made by the landlord or management company
- Memorandum and articles of the landlord or management company
Are there any exclusions from the Home Information Pack regulations?
Home Information Packs will not be required on the following:-
- Properties in Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Private sales where the property is not offered on the open market (e.g. to a family member, neighbour, or friend)
- Non-residential property or where homes are in mixed use with commercial property
- Properties sold with sitting tenants and not available for owner occupation
- Portfolios of residential property
- 'Right to Buy' sales by Local Authorities or other social landlords
- held on a lease of less than 21 years