HIPs

What's in the pack?

A HIP must 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 information and drainage and water searches
• An energy performance certificate
• The Property Information Questionnaire
• and 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

A HIP may contain

1. Other searches, such as environmental searches like flood, contamination and ground stability risks. This includes coal mining searches if you are in a relevant area
2. Commentary on legal title
3. Replies to enquiries and fixtures and fittings lists

Buyers beware!!

It is important to note that as a buyer there are a number of things that will not be automatically included in a HIP that will materially affect your enjoyment of your new property, such as the presence of an old landfill or past land use that could mean the garden is contaminated, or that it is an area of subsidence or a planning application for a nightclub had just been approved two doors away.

Are there any exclusions from the HIP 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
• Homes held on a lease of less than 21 years

What will a HIP cost?

Whilst costs vary depending on the provider, basic HIPs start at around £300 for the average property, which is paid by the seller. The majority of this cost will be related to the legal documentation and energy performance certificate. A Home Condition Report is an optional cost and likely to be an additional £300. Larger properties will have more costly HIPs.