Homeowners

From 1st August 2007, sellers will need to commission a Home Information Pack (HIP) before putting their property up for sale; this will be phased in, starting with houses of four bedrooms or more. The HIP currently includes the following:

Energy Performance Certificate
Home Information Pack index
Sale statement
Evidence of title (deeds or Land Registry search)
Local and drainage-&-water searches
Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.

The pack can optionally include the following:

Home Condition Report
Home use/contents forms
Legal summary
Other searches

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required by recent legislation from the EU directive. An EPC can only be provided by a qualified Dometic Energy Assessor or Home Inspector. The expected cost to the seller is around £140, but market forces may reduce this figure. Independent domestic energy assessors will offer the competitive prices.

The rest of the HIP will be provided by solicitors, estate agents or HIP providers.

Here is a HIPs Fact Sheet supplied by the government.

For the latest information about EPCs and HIPs, visit the governement website www.HomeInformationPacks.gov.uk

For impartial advice about saving energy in the home, visit the Energy Saving Trust.

Read A Guide to Home Energy Saving produced by The Renewable Energy Centre

See also the Frequently Asked Questions page.