Home information packs
Mandatory requirement for half the market!

The government has now extended home information packs (HIPs) to three-bedroom properties and also announced that HIPs and energy performance certificates (EPCs) will become mandatory for all houses put up for sale with three bedrooms or more, covering half the market. No decision has been made about when they will be phased in for smaller homes.

The government has said that HIPs and EPCs can help families to save hundreds of pounds off their fuel bills and cut a million tonnes of carbon every year. In addition having the potential to reduce the millions of pounds wasted by consumers when buying and selling a home.

From 10 September 2007 all homeowners have to commission a HIP, giving details of land searches and title deeds, when they put their home on the market. In addition they will have to produce an energy performance certificate, which will rate their home on energy efficiency.

Initially the packs were to include a home-condition report, but this element was dropped last year, partly because of the extra cost. Then there was a further delay to bring in the policy in phases, because of a shortage of home inspectors.

Made to measure

• All three-bedroom homes or larger on the market from 10 September 2007 will need a home information pack, containing title deeds, land searches and an energy performance certificate (EPC)

• EPCs, which cost about £100, rate the energy efficiency of a home on the scale AG, with band A having the lowest fuel bills. They also rate on a scale of AG the home’s impact on the environment by measuring CO2 emissions

• Each rating is based on the performance of the building and fittings such as heating, lighting, insulation and double glazing. The certificate also takes into account the age, location, size and condition of the home

• The average British home is in bands DE

• The certificates are commissioned by the seller from an accredited energy assessor
Source: Department of Communities and Local Government

This article is for your general information and use only and is not intended to address your particular requirements. Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or company should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of their particular situation. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Article date: 09.07