Home Information Packs Explained

Prescribed under the Housing Act 2004 home information packs were introduced to improve the home buying/selling process reducing delays and extra expense. Regulations stipulate a home seller needs to commission a home information pack before an estate agent can market the property. A HIP remains valid for as long as the property remains on the market, however long it takes to find a buyer.

A home information pack contains a collection of documents made available to potential buyers.

Required Documents

Freehold Properties

Index
Energy Performance Certificate - Energy efficiency and environmental impact rating
Sustainability information - New build homes only
Sales Statement - Terms of sale
Evidence of title - Proof of who title is registered to and whether any of the title holders are bankrupt
Local Authority Searches – Confirms there are no proposed developments nearby ie roads that may effect property
Water searches – Confirms status of drainage and water systems within proximaty of the property.
Property Questionaire (PIQ)

Leasehold Properties

All the above
Copy of lease
Commonhold information if appropriate

Download Sample HIP 2.15MB

When commissioning a HIP, you should consider a company that is a member of the HIP Code. Our search provider is a member of AHIPP (Association of HIP providers) and all searches are search code compliant.