THE FUTURE OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS
22 January 2009
The Government has announced that the current arrangements for producing Home Information Packs (HIPs) will remain in force until April this year.
On 6th April 2009, the Government is introducing a number of changes to the HIP process which they claim will ensure home movers receive more useful information during the buying and selling process. The main changes are as follows:
1. All HIPs marketed after April 6th must include a ‘Property Information Questionnaire’ – this is being introduced to provide basic information about a property for a home buyer.
2. A basic HIP must be available before a property is marketed – the temporary ‘first day marketing’ provision will be removed, providing certainty to home movers that a HIP will be available. This will not prevent agents advising clients about properties they expect to be coming on to the market.
Additionally, from January 1st 2009, the current arrangement for Leasehold HIPs - whereby a copy of the Lease is the only additional requirement when producing a Leasehold HIP - will be made permanent.
We’re in the process of updating our current HIP systems in line with the changes outlined above. We’ll make sure that you are informed of any process changes as soon as possible.
Disclaimer
These particulars are intended only as general guidance. The Company therefore gives notice that none of the material issued or visual depictions of any kind made on behalf of the Company can be relied upon as accurately describing any of the Specified Matters prescribed by any Order made under the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991. Nor do they constitute a contract, part of a contract or a warranty.
Estate Agency Software