HIPS for Buyers

If you're buying a home, make sure you see the Home Information Pack

Since 14 December 2007 every home put on the market, no matter what size, must have a Home Information Pack. It brings together valuable information at the start of the process - such as a sale statement, local searches and evidence of title - which could save you money, time and stress. The Pack also includes an Energy Performance Certificate that contains advice on how to cut CO₂ emissions and fuel bills.  

Make sure your estate agent shows you the Pack

HIPs provide key information needed by buyers and sellers at the very start of the home-buying process, making transactions more efficient and less likely to fall through between offer and exchange. HIP documents give consumers a clear, up front picture of what they are buying and selling.

Compulsory Documents:

• Home Information Pack Index
• Energy Performance Certificate
• Sale statement
• Standard searches
• Evidence of title
• Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.
• A HIP for a newly built home must have a certificate (or interim certificate) showing the rating that the home has received in respect of the Code for Sustainable Homes or a nil-rated certificate showing that the home has only been designed to meet current Building Regulations. However, up until1 January2009 it is possible to market a property without all of the compulsory documents.

However, up until 1 January 2009 it is possible to market a property without all of the compulsory documents.

Optional Documents:

• Home Condition Report
• Legal summary
• Home use/contents forms
• Other documents
• Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.