FAQ

“HIPS’s are being introduced to help improve the house buying and selling process – bringing more information about a property to the front of the process, allowing buyers to make more informed decisions and reducing the number of sales that fall through.”  Mike Ockenden – Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP)

What is a HIP?

The Home Information Pack is intended to be a comprehensive property package, provided by the the seller when the property is marketed.

 It is to include

· An index  (i.e. a list of the contents of the pack)
· A Sale Statement (summarising terms of sale)
· Evidence of title
· Standard Searches, (e.g. local Authority enquiries and a Drainage and
   Water Search)  or proof that these have been ordered
· Where appropriate commonhold/leasehold information
· EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

The following can be included  as optional additional documentation

· Home Condition Report
· A Legal Summary
· Other searches relevant to the particular area
· A Property Information Form
· Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form
· Copies of Guarantees and Warranties

For a short period, sellers should be allowed to market their homes with an EPC, Sale Statement, Evidence of Title and Index, so long as the other mandatory documents have been commissioned.

What is an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s), will tell home buyers and sellers about a home(s) Energy Efficiency – using A – G ratings, like those used to rate fridges and washing machines. It is expected that a home(s), EPC will be attached to the particulars, which estate agents give to potential buyers. The Certificates will also make recommendations for cost-effective improvements that can be made to help cut fuel bills and carbon emissions. Our homes currently account for 27% of the ‘UK’ Carbon Emissions attributing to global climate change.
The EPC is prepared by Domestic Energy Assessors or Home Inspectors who are members of a Government Approved Certification Scheme. It is estimated that by following the recommendations in an EPC. An average of £300 a year can be saved in fuel bills.

What is an HCR (Home Condition Report) ?

The Home Condition Report contains information about the physical condition of a property. Sellers, buyers and lenders will have a legal right to rely on it as an objective and authoritative report. It is prepared by Home Inspectors who are members of a Government- Approved and regulated Certification Scheme.
Sellers who provide a Home Condition Report will have an early opportunity to carry out repair work on their home or obtain quotes prior to marketing their home. Potential buyers will be made aware of repairs that they might need to make or they will be reassured that the property is in good condition before they decide to put in an offer.
Lenders can also benefit by using the reports to inform their valuations, reducing the need to repeat a site inspection at the Buyer’s expense.
Source www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk

What is an HCR going to cost?

As a guide an HCR will cost in the region of £100 - £250, factors determining the cost will be the size, age and complexity of property (a studio apartment must be less expensive to assess than a 5 bedroom detached property), location, appointment time and response time (SLA). Priority will always be given to organisations HIPack Services have a contract with.

What hours do you work?

In addition to standard business hours and as part of our commitment to be different, HiPack Services are able to offer a number of evening and weekend appointments, allowing us to work around the householders busy schedule.