Government U-turn on Hips again

The Government have once again u-turned on Hips. Properties marketed before the 1st of June launch will now have until March 2008 before they require a Hips pack, the original deadline was October 2007. 
Other changes will allow sellers to market their property as soon as the Energy Performance Certificate and key legal documents are provided as long as searches and leasehold documents have been commissioned.
Previously, Home Information Packs had to contain local searches before the property could go on the market and for leasehold properties they were required to contain leasehold documents.
Further changes allow Properties that are withdrawn from the market to use the original Hip if remarketed by the same seller within a year of the original Hip date.
Estate agents must also include energy performance certificates with their property particulars for the first time. The Government says this would help buyers make green choices by comparing energy costs between homes.
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly comments: "This is an important opportunity to improve the buying and selling process for consumers.
"We want to promote a greener housing market for consumers, and Energy Performance Certificates can play a key part in this.
"By providing more information on the energy efficiency of homes we can help consumers make more informed choices about the homes they buy and their impact on climate change."