Essential Information
The Pack brings together key information needed by buyers and sellers at the very start of the home-buying process. If you're a seller, you need to make sure you have commissioned a Pack by the time that you market your property.
The Pack must contain at least the following (or if any are missing, the Index should explain why)
- An Index of contents
- An Energy Performance Certificate
- A sale statement
- Evidence of title (for registered and unregistered properties)
- Searches
- Leasehold/commonhold documents where appropriate.
The Pack will also ensure that important information about improving the energy efficiency of homes is made available every time a property is sold.
How long does a Pack last for?
While the property is on the market, there is no need to update the Home Information Pack (ultimately, the market decides whether the documents remain acceptable and up to date).
If the sale of your property stops and then starts again, you would normally be required to assemble a new Pack and to update those documents which are now out of date according to the requirements of the Home Information Pack Regulations. However, the seller can carry on using the same Pack without the need to update any of the documents in the following circumstances:
- Where marketing stopped because the seller accepted an offer and wants to restart marketing because the sale has fallen through, provided that remarketing starts within one year of the date when marketing first began or, if later, within 28 days of the sale falling through.
- Where marketing has stopped for any other reason, the seller may remarket the property with the same Pack provided that remarketing starts within one year of the date when marketing first began.
Frequently asked questions
When do I have to provide a HIP?
Properties marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales will need a Home Information Pack (HIP), which includes a home energy rating.
The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate, containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title.
Currently, any property that was already on the market on the relevant commencement date (i.e. 1 August 2007 for sales of homes with four or more bedrooms; 10 September 2007 for those with three or more bedrooms and 14 December for all properties) does not need to have a HIP.
At this stage no such date has been set when all properties that are on the market will be required to have a HIP.
What goes in a HIP?
A HIP includes documents that are required when homes are bought and sold. Some documents are mandatory and others optional.
The mandatory documents are:
- An index (ie a list of the contents of the HIP)
- A sale statement (summarising the terms of sale)
- Evidence of title
- Standard searches (ie local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Commonhold information (where appropriate)
- A copy of the lease (where appropriate)
Documents that are optional include:
- A Home Condition Report (HCR)
- Additional leasehold, information
- Guarantees and warranties
- Other searches relevant to the particular area
Who compiled HIPs?
Sellers can hire estate agents, solicitors, separate pack providers, or do it themselves.
Are HIPs required across the UK?
No - only in England and Wales
I'm selling my house privately - do I need a Home Information Pack?
If you are marketing your property, even if it's just by putting a 'for sale' sign in the window, you need a Pack. Sales where no marketing takes place (e.g. to a member of the family) won't need a Pack.
Who pays for the Pack?
The seller is responsible for the cost of a Home Information Pack.