Home Information Packs: Summary
Paramount have extensive experience of helping Home Owners with HIPS. Below
is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Home Information Packs
or for further help please call Robert Lazarus on 020 7644 2303 who will
be happy to answer any specific questions.
What are Home Information Packs?
When do I have to complete a Home Information Pack and how will it impact me as the 'seller'?
My property was on the market prior to September 2007, do I require a HIP?
My house has been on the market before HIPs
came in. If I change Estate Agents now, do I have to get a HIP?
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Are Home Information Packs required across the UK?
I'm selling my house privately - do I need a Home
Information Pack?
What is the cost of the pack and who pays for it?
Who compiles Home Information Packs?
What do I need to do next?
Paramount Special Offer - Free HIPs !
What are Home Information Packs?
The following documents are compulsory and must be included in a Pack:
" Home Information Pack Index
" Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
" Sale statement
" Standard searches
" Evidence of title
" Leasehold Management information (on leasehold property)
The following are 'optional' documents:
o The Home Condition Report (HCR)
o Information on flood risk, ground stability, environmental pollution and
other factors.
o Guarantees and warranties
o Home Use Form
o Home Contents Form
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When do I have to complete a Home Information Pack and how will it impact me as the 'seller'?
Under the new rules, properties cannot be marketed until certain items
of the HIP have been ordered. These items are the Index, Energy Performance
Certificate (EPC), Sales Statement and Land Registry Title & Plan. If
after 14 days these items are not ready, then providing it can be proved
that they have been commissioned marketing can commence. The other items
within the HIP can follow in due course but again if any of these are not
available within 28 days of order the whole HIP can be delivered with any
outstanding items to follow when available. The seller must provide potential
buyers with the pack, or certain documents from it on request.
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My property was on the market prior to September
2007, do I require a HIP?
Any property that was on sale prior to HIPs being introduced that is still available for sale after the 1st January 2008 will require a HIP.
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My house has been on the market before HIPs
came in. If I change Estate Agents now, do I have to get a HIP?
If continuous marketing of your property has taken place and it has not
been taken off the market for a period of 28 days or less then a new HIP
is not required. If however, there was a break in marketing of 28 days or
more you will need to commission a new HIP
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.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The government aim of the EPC is to promote increased awareness of energy
consumption and how people can reduce their carbon footprint. The new EPC
will asses homes with an energy performance rate of A to G. To rate a persons
home, a detailed survey must be carried out by a 'Domestic Energy Assessor'.
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Are Home Information Packs required across the UK?
No - only in England and Wales
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I'm selling my house privately - do I need a Home
Information Pack?
The regulations state that 'The responsible person' for the HIP is whoever
carries out the marketing of the property. This is you if you are selling
your home privately, your appointed estate agent or other company. The person
responsible will be liable for fines for marketing a property without a
HIP in place.
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What is the cost of the pack and who pays for it?
The seller is responsible for the cost of a Home Information Pack. The cost of the pack is generally determined by the market. However, unlike other moving expenses, the price of the HIP is likely to remain constant regardless of the value of the house. The actual cost of the HIP may vary. Factors influencing the cost may be dependent on the property being leasehold or freehold and any associated difficulties when gathering information. At present cost for a HIP ranges from between £300 - £500.
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Who compiles Home Information Packs?
The person responsible for marketing the property (this could be the seller,
a solicitor, separate pack provider, or in most cases the estate agent.)
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What do I need to do next?
Choose whether you wish to compile the HIP yourself or commission an estate
agent or other company.
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We will obtain a HIP for your property and make it available to you whilst
we have sole selling rights. This offer is subject to terms and conditions
which you will be asked to agree to before appointing us.
" Get your property quickly on the market with Paramount.
" Save one upfront cost plus the hassle of doing it yourself.
Contact Robert Lazarus,
Director of Sales at 020 7644 2303 for details about this offer or with
general questions relating to the sale of your property.
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