HIPs & EPCs

Home Information Packs

Since 14th December 2007 it has been compulsory for every property marketed for sale in England and Wales to have a Home Information Pack (also known as the HIP). It is a set of documents that provides the buyer with key information on the property and must be provided by the seller or the seller's agent.

It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and you cannot market your property without one. The HIP lets buyers see important information on the property at the start of the process. This means there is less chance of buyers becoming aware of any surprises at the end of the process that can cause delays and extra expense to the buyer and seller.

For more information visit the government website at www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk.

We are able to provide the HIP for your property through our provider. This enables everything to be handled from our office and put in place ready to market your property for sale. We can discuss the payment options available to you and advise you on the most suitable approach.

Energy Performance Certificates

Since 1st October 2008 it has been compulsory for every property marketed for sale in England and Wales to have an Energy Performance Certificate (also known as an EPC). An EPC is included in a HIP and therefore those properties with a HIP do not require anything further. If a property has been marketed prior to the introduction of HIP's they will require an EPC.

Rental properties also require an EPC when they are renting the property out to a new tenant. The EPC must be made available to the tenant. The EPC must be made available to the tenant at the start of the agreement. The landlord does not need to produce a new EPC for each new tenant as the EPC is valid for 10 years and can be passed on.