Hip changes mean they must be in place

30 March 2009

CHANGES to Home information Pack (Hip) legislation means from 6th April 2009, every home must have a Hip in place — not just on order — before it can be put on the market.

Sellers will also be required to complete the new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) detailing important pre-sale information such as the home’s council tax band, parking arrangements, utilities and flood risk — this could be vital information when deciding to make an offer.

Not only will the new PIQ provide buyers with further, upfront information about their possible new home, but it will significantly increase the number of consumers viewing the Hip, according to the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHipP).

Mike Ockenden, director general, AHipP, comments: “Finally we will see Hips getting into buyers’ hands. There is already evidence that Hips have helped to speed up the conveyancing process. However, one of the key challenges we have faced as an industry is consumer apathy. While every home on the market has had a Hip since December 2007, a recent CLG report has indicated that so far, only 40 per cent of buyers even saw the Hip for the home they eventually purchased, and this needs to change.

“Hips provide buyers with a great deal of important information that should be taken into consideration before making an offer, from the home’s energy efficiency to local search information. Following the launch of the PIQ, the level of upfront information available in the Hip will increase and we expect to see more buyers asking to see a home’s Hip.

“The reality is that most of those selling a home will be buying a home too and if they have completed a PIQ for their own property, they are more likely to ask to see the PIQ for any properties they plan to purchase.”

As vendors play an increasingly involved role in the Hip process, AHipP warns consumers that they need to act quickly and efficiently to ensure they do not delay the marketing of their own home. Completing the required PIQ and allowing Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) into the property to conduct the necessary Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as quickly as possible will be essential to ensure smooth and seamless process.

Mr Ockenden added: “Our members are turning Hips round in an average of five days. As a result, this new legislation is unlikely to delay consumers looking to sell their home. However, with vendors playing an increasingly important role in the Hip compilation process it is essential that they are provided with the necessary information and are made aware that their PIQ must be completed before their home can be marketed.