Home Information Packs

Why a Home Information pack?

The Housing Act 2004 contained a requirement that all homes put up for sale must have a Home Information Pack. On December the 14th 2007the Government stated that all homes marketed for sale will need a Home Information Pack.

What does a pack contain?

Home Information Pack Index

Self explanatory, but must show the total number of documents and additions where information has not been updated if some documents are not in the HIP the Index will show what provisions are being taken to find them.

top

Energy Performance Certificate

An energy performance certificate shows the official energy efficiency of a building. See EPC Faqs.

top

Sale Statement

A straightforward one page document and gives details of the property being sold. It should state if the property is registered, or not, if it is freehold, common hold, or leasehold.

top

Title Information

This refers to information and plans of a property to include any covenants, deeds, associated with the land and documentation of proof of ownership. All this information is recorded at the Land Registry.

top

Local Authority Searches and Drainage searches

These searches can reveal important information about a property with regard to local environmental problems, planning applications, or road improvement schemes which can affect the value of the property. Searches will also reveal any potential problems with access to the property, and the sewerage system.

top

Leasehold /Common hold Documentation

Necessary Documents may include:

• Lease
• Landlord Information
• Service charge information
• Management Company Information
• any details of any work being undertaken or proposed over the property and land

top

Additional Documents that maybe added to the Home Information Pack

Home Condition Report(HCR)

The Home Condition Report at present is not mandatory within the Home Information Pack.

It is not a full building survey, but will include general information about the property, to include a condition rating on chimney stacks, roof coverings, rainwater pipes and gutters, main walls, floors, ventilation,claddings and decorations external, dampness and services.

top

Legal Summaries

A summary of the information included in a Home Information Pack to help buyers flag up any particular concerns.

top

Environmental Searches

This search is one of the most important but again not mandatory. This search will reveal such things as local planning, mobile communication masts, crime statistics, public facilities, transport and infrastructure, and potentially irritating commerce. Flood report assessments will give an insight into flooding and the insurability against flooding.

top

Guarantees and Warranties

These fall into the non essential but useful category, eg:

• Central heating inspections
• woodworm treatment warranties
• various instruction manuals
• invoices and warranties for repairs carried out to the property

To include these in the HIP would be prudent

top