6: Evidence of title

These documents prove who owns the property.

Registered property

If the property is registered, certain documents that are available on request from the Land Registry must be included in the HIP. These provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and consist of:

• official copies of the individual register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, typically, a charges register)
• an official copy of the title plan
  

In the case of the sale of a commonhold interest, official copies of the register and title plan should be produced for both the unit and common parts.

Unregistered land

For sales of unregistered land, the HIP must include copies of a certificate of an official search of the index map (from the Land Registry). Also, it must have the documents that the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property and the right to sell it.

5: Sale statement

The sale statement provides some basic information about the property, including:

• the address of the property being sold
  
• whether the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold
  
• whether the property is registered or unregistered
  
• whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession, for example with a sitting tenant
  
• in what capacity the seller is selling the property (for example, selling on behalf of a deceased owner)

4: Sustainability information for newly built homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the environmental impact of a new home against nine categories. The code requirements only apply to new homes where a local council has received a building notice, initial notice or full plans application after 1 May 2008.

Newly built homes must have either:

• a certificate (or interim certificate) showing the sustainability of the home assessed against the standards under the Code for Sustainable Homes
  
• a nil-rated certificate where the property has not been assessed against the Code

3: Energy Performance Certificate/Predicted Energy Assessment

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives home owners, tenants and buyers information on the energy efficiency of their property.

New homes sold 'off-plan' will need to include a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA). The PEA should be replaced by an EPC when construction of the property is complete.

2: Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)

The Property Information Questionnaire needs to be completed by the seller. It provides a helpful checklist of simple information about a property buyers need to know before making any decision on the property.

See ‘HIPs: compiling a Home Information pack’ for more information about the PIQ and how to complete one.

Compulsory documents for a HIP

1: The Home Information Pack Index

The Index lists the documents contained in the HIP and provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities.

If a document that must be included in the HIP is unavailable, the Index must say so, give the reason it is missing, and list what steps are being taken to get it.

The Index should be updated whenever documents are added or removed.

What does a HIP contain?

The HIP is made up of required (compulsory) and authorised (optional) items.

There shouldn't be any marketing or advertising material in the pack, so make sure it contains official information only.

Listed below are all the compulsory documents that need to be included.

Compulsory documents

The following documents must be included in your HIP:

Freehold properties

• Home Information Pack Index
  
• the new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ), from 6 April 2009
  
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA)
  
• sustainability information (required for newly built homes)
  
• sale statement
  
• evidence of title
  
• standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)
  

Leasehold properties

• all the compulsory documents above
• a copy of the lease

For more detail on these documents follow the links below.