Home Information Pack (HIPS)

HIPS
  HOME INFORMATION PACKS

 A Home Information Pack (HIP) is the package of information that must be legally prepared by the Seller of a residential property before their property can be offered for sale.

The Home Information Pack contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know. Home information Pack contains a set of key documents that will help a purchaser make an informed decision about the property before they put in an offer.
All homes marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England & Wales will need a Home Information Pack (HIP).

The required documents are

• Freehold HIPS
• Home Information Pack Index (a list of the contents of the pack and any missing documents to be included at a later date)
• Sale Statement (Summarising brief details of the terms of sale)
• Standard searches (Local authority searches, also water and drainage systems)
• Evidence of Title (A Land Registry official record detailing the legal ownership of the property)
• For new properties, copies of warranties and guarantees
• Energy Performance Certificate (This certificate will give information on how energy efficient the property is. This certificate must be given by a licensed Energy Assessor.)

If you need a Leasehold HIP, you will also need

• A copy of the lease
• Regulations made by the landlord or management company
• The most recent service charge accounts and receipts
• Memorandum and articles of the landlord or management company

Optional items of the Home Information Pack

•  A Home Condition Report, carried out by a professional surveyor
• The Legal Summary
• Home use or home contents forms
• Copies of any planning, listed buildings and building regulation consents and approvals
• Any guarantees for works to be carried out on the property
• Other searches