Home Information Packs (HIP)

Home buyers will soon get to see more before they buy.

From April 6th 2009, you’ll be able to get a copy of a Home Information Pack for any property you are interested in as soon as it comes on to the market.

In addition to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), sale statement, evidence of title, standard searches and the lease (where appropriate), the HIP will also contain a Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ). The PIQ will contain useful information on any structural changes / damage, flood risk, gas and electrical safety, parking arrangements and, for leasehold properties, additional information such as the current service charge. It ensures that common questions are answered at the beginning of the process and before you incur any costs, so you can avoid surprises later on – particularly helpful to first time buyers with maybe little experience of buying a home.

So whether you're thinking of viewing a property or making an offer, the HIP can help inform your decision and make the home buying process more transparent. As a buyer you can get a copy of the HIP free on any property you’re interested in (although you may be asked to pay copying and postage costs).

For more information on HIPs, email us via our website or call us on 01344 777 888.