The Home Information Pack (HIP) has been mandatory for all homes, regardless of size since 14th December 2007. (The Home Information Pack was originally due to be implemented from 1 June 2007 for all homeowners in England and Wales but on the 24th May 2007, the Government announced a delay to the introduction, a phased approach followed).
The packs include items such as: sale statement, evidence of title, searches, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and, where appropriate, a copy of the lease or commonhold information.
A Home Condition Report MAY also be included by sellers on a voluntary basis.
What is a Home Condition Report?
The Home Condition report, which is currently on a voluntary basis, may include the following information (please note this is a brief summary - see links below for more detailed information):
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exterior condition
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internal condition
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services (gas, electricity, water, heating, drainage)
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grounds (boundary walls, outbuildings)
As stated on the official HIP website, you do not need a HIP for:
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Properties where there is no marketing (e.g. sale to member of your family
Non-residential properties
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Seasonal and holiday accommodation
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Mixed sales (e.g. shop with flat)
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Right to buy or similar sales
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Sales of portfolios of properties
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Properties not being sold with completely vacant possession
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Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished
(Please ensure that you check/confirm these details on the official website or discuss with the Department for Communities and Local Government, contact details are below).
How much will a HIP cost?
The cost to sellers of Home Information Packs is set by the market and may be available from a number of sources e.g. Estate Agent, Solicitor, Specialist Pack Provider or the seller may compile the pack themselves. There is currently some speculation that even some supermarkets may provide this service.
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives a summary of the energy performance of the property, in relation to features of construction, heating and hot water.
An A-G rating is provided, which is similar to those seen on white good e.g. washing machines.
In addition to the rating, tailored, cost effective measures will be suggested and the potential energy efficiency of the property if the measures are implemented will be given.
The current market price for producing the EPC is estimated between £100- £150 (dependant on size of property) and is the property owners’ responsibility. This cost will be included in the overall fee if you have a complete Home Information Pack (HIP).
Social and private landlords and those selling dwellings in non-marketed sales must have to produce an EPC which is less than ten years old. Dwellings put up for marketed sale must have an EPC which is less than 12 months old at the time the house is first put on the market (This is yet to be confirmed and currently under consultation). Property owners can voluntarily get a new certificate after installation of energy efficiency measures - particularly if these improve the energy rating.
Gosport Borough Council does not manage either EPC’s or HIP’s, for further information you may either telephone the Department for Communities and Local Government on 020 7944 4400 or email homeinfopacks@communities.gsi.gov.uk or visit the official website http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/. Alternatively, you may write to:
Home Ownership Policy Branch
Department for Communities and Local Government
2/J9 Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU
Discounts and/or grants are available to homeowners for loft and cavity wall insulation to help meet the energy efficiency recommendations of the Home Information Pack. Please see our information sheets 'Grants and Discounts available within Gosport' for further information - please note that terms do apply.
Gosport Borough Council is not responsible for the contents or reliability of any linked websites and does not necessary endorse the views expressed within them. The listing of a link shall not be taken as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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