Home Information Packs (HIPs)

From 14 December 2007, properties marketed for sale in England and Wales will need a Home Information Pack (HIP), which includes a home energy rating.

The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title.

Any property that was already on the market on the relevant commencement date (i.e. 1 August 2007 for sales of homes with four or more bedrooms; 10 September 2007 for those with three or more bedrooms and 14 December for all properties) does not need to have a HIP.

No date has been set when all properties that are on the market will be required to have a HIP.

Leasehold changes will speed up delivery of HIPs for leasehold properties. Although the Lease is still required for the HIP, the requirement for other leasehold information is waived for six months.

The first day marketing rule is also extended and will not apply until 1 June 2008, which means you can continue to market properties as soon as you have ordered a HIP.