Home Information Packs

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What is a Home Information Pack?

The Home Information Pack information (or HIP) is a pack of information which must be provided by the seller of a property to prospective purchasers.

When is a HIP required?

Four bedroomed properties marketed on or after 1 August 2007, three bedroomed properties marketed on or after 10 September 2007 and all properties placed on the market on or after 14 December 2007 require a HIP. Currently newly built properties do not require a HIP though in the near future it is planned that they will. Properties which are sold privately and not marketed, for example an inter-family transaction or a landlord selling to a tenant, do not require a home information pack.

 

If a property was placed on the market before the relevant deadline and is then taken off the market for more than 28 days, a HIP will be required.

 

What Must a Home Information Pack Contain?

The following documents must be included in the HIP:-

• Index (click for an example template)

• Sale Statement (click for a government approved template)

• Energy Performance Certificate

• Evidence of Title (Official Copies for registered land or copies of the deeds for unregistered)

• Local Authority Search

• Drainage and Water Search

If leasehold (and marketed before 1^st June 2008):-

• Copy of the lease

If leasehold (and marketed after 1^st June 2008):-

• Copy of the lease

• Details of any regulations made by the landlord/managing agent

• Copies of the last 3 years' service charge accounts

• Copies of the most recent demands for rent, insurance and service charge

• The name and address of the landlord and if applicable the managing agents

• Details of any proposed amendments to the lease

• Copies of any Section 20 Notices with full details of when the works will be completed and what the cost may be

What else may a HIP contain?

The following documents may be included in a HIP. They are not compulsory but may serve to expedite the transaction once a buyer is found:-

• Home Condition Report

• Additional searches (such as a Coal Mining Search) which are required in a particular area

• Sellers Property Information Form

• Copies of Guarantees, Planning Permissions, FENSA certificates etc

• Official copies of any documents referred to in the registers of title

• Fixtures, Fittings and Contents List

• Any of the items listed in Schedule 10 of the Home Information Pack (No 2) Regulations 2007

If leasehold :-

 

• Leasehold Information Form

• Any other leases affecting the property

• Any licences

• Official copies of the superior title(s)

• Copy of the memorandum and articles of association

• Details of any reserve fund

• Details of any planned work to the property

Who Prepares the Home Information Pack?

The HIP is prepared by or on behalf of the seller. The seller may instruct a solicitor, estate agent or specialist HIP provider to prepare the pack or may prepare it himself.

What Will a Home Information Pack Cost?

There is no set fee scale, however the government states that packs are currently costing around £300 - £350.

Regards

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