Home information pack advice

Home information packs (HIPs) are now required on all residential properties that are marketed from today in England and Wales.

At an average cost of £300 to £380 per HIP, many critics have argued that since their introduction in September for all properties with three or more bedrooms, selling houses has become more difficult and expensive but Conveyancing experts such as Lisa Shenton from law firm Irwin Mitchell disagree.

HIPS advice

She said: "The packs are designed to help people looking to purchase a property and this announcement by the government brings more certainty for the market."

The controversial packs include an Energy Performance Certificate, which contains advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills.

Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title.

Experts in the field are now waiting to see if the new regime will have a braking effect on the housing market as people will consider more carefully whether to put their houses on the market, reluctant to pay the charge up front.

Lisa continued: "The postponement until June 08 of the requirement for a completed HIP to be available before the property is marketed is also good news. The current delay in providing searches in certain areas of the country would have meant a real delay for sellers putting their houses on the market in the New Year."