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What information does a HIP contain?

Home Information Packs only need to be commissioned in order for a property to legitimately be listed for sale and so as a buyer you may not receive one straight away, however, when you do, it should include the following compulsory elements:

An index

This should give a clear outline of the structure of the document and it should include a history of any removals or late additions to the HIP after its initial completion.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

This certificate will indicate how your home is rated in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact on a rating scale of A-G, with A being the most efficient and environmentally sound.

The EPC will not stop at a simple A-G rating as it will go on to explain the grade given and suggest ways of improving your homes efficiency, such as improved loft insulation or advise the installation of energy efficient products.

It is worth noting though that the EPC will be put together based on the fact that all appliances are properly installed and working to expected levels of performance. If you have double glazing for example, the Certificate will assume proper installation, this can lead to a misleading EPC as there could be significant efficiency differences in reality to the grading suggested on the EPC.

A Sale Statement

This includes the basic legal information with regard to the categories of the property for sale. It will contain the address and it will state whether the property is freehold leasehold or commonhold, it will also define whether the property is being sold with vacant possession or if the seller’s situation is not so flexible.

Standard Local Enquiries

These include standard searches relating to the location of the property, checking all local planning and building proposals that may affect the surrounding area.

They also include standard checks of the condition of the drainage and water services to the property.

Evidence of title

This section presents the legal documents that specify that the seller has in fact got the right to sell the property.

If the property is registered copies of the necessary formal documents must be obtained from the Land Registry.

(Additional information regarding community statements, regulations, ownership details and insurance information will also be included for commonhold/leasehold sales.)

 Subsections of this guide:

•  Guide To HIPs - Part 2

•  Guide To HIPs - Part 3

•  Guide To HIPs - Part 4