The Home Information Pack (HIP) contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know. It has to be available within 28 days of the property being marketed. It is a legal requirement for all properties to have a Home Information Pack available to potential buyers.
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. When an offer is accepted, a copy of the Pack should go to the buyers solicitor - this should save the buyer time and money in the rest of the process.
What is in the Pack?
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- A voluntary Home Condition Report (HCR)
- The basis of the contract, including the terms of sale
- Evidence of Title (office copy entries)
- Replies to standard searches
- Seller's Property Information Form
- Warranties and guarantees
- Planning consents and building control certificates
- Other information for leasehold properties
- Provisions for new homes
How long does the Pack last? 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).