Home Information Packs

We have seen some major changes to the home buying process this year, which will offer huge benefits to both buyers and sellers alike. The Government has introduced Home Information Packs (HIPs) in an attempt to improve the buying and selling process for all parties.

A HIP includes a unique set of documents providing important information about the property, such as its energy efficiency, boundary ownership, and planning permissions.

The aim is to speed up the sales process and provide buyers with important information earlier in the process, which will allow them to make more informed choices when deciding whether to purchase a property.

M L Estates commented:
“The aim of Home Information Packs is to make the home buying process easier and faster and to encourage us all to reduce carbon emissions from our homes benefiting everyone. We have developed a streamline process of Home Information Packs to ensure that everyone can take advantage of the benefits on offer.”

M L Estates can provide you with information about how HIPs affect you when buying or selling a property. Using advanced web based technology they can order you HIPs instantly online and track the progress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Documents are produced to the highest of standards in different formats to suit your requirements.

From the 14th December 2007, all homes to be sold after this date require a HIP (home information pack).

The HIP will require of the following:-

• An index – a list of all documents included, and any that are missing.
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• A Sale Statement – basic information about the property.
• Evidence of Title – an up-to-date, official record of who owns the land.
• Local Authority searches
• Drainage & Water searches
• Leasehold properties must also provide documents relating to the lease.