HIPS

Properties marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales need a Home Information Pack which contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know.

HIPs can help all parties to commit more quickly and reduce the risk of sales falling through. The packs aim to increase confidence in the sale process from the start by providing key information up front.

For sellers, providing a Pack upfront should reduce the likelihood of any nasty surprises in the selling process that could delay the sale, as buyers will be able to make more informed decisions about purchasing their home.

For buyers, the Pack provides essential information about properties they are considering buying - free of charge - and reduces the chance of unwelcome surprises later on in the process.

An Energy Performance Certificate is a compulsory part of a Home Information Pack.
The certificates are commissioned by the seller (or their agent) from an accredited Energy Assessor, who visits the property to collect the relevant data and creates the certificate.

This data includes the date, construction and location of the house and relevant fittings (heating systems, insulation or double glazing, for example).

Communities and Local Government is leading the introduction of a number of energy and cost-saving measures to make all buildings more efficient. These measures are being applied across all European Union countries and are in line with the European Directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings.

The Energy Performance Certificate is part of these new measures to improve property efficiency. It will include suggestions to enable homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of the building. This can mean lower energy bills for the occupiers, and could make homes more attractive to potential purchasers.

The certificate will also provide contact details for the Energy Savings Trust who can help you find out whether you could be eligible for grants or discounts to help carry out these improvements to your home. It will also list simple ways that changes in behaviour can save you energy and money - without the need for any works.
More information about HIP’s and sample packs are available at www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk