Compulsory documents and optional 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

Other documents can be included within your HIP, but these are optional. If they are included, it could help to speed up the sale and ensure that the process goes more smoothly. These include:

• Home Condition Report
• legal summary
• home use/contents form
• other documents like specialist searches (for example, the seller may choose to include a mining search in a mining area)

Why do you need a HIP and What does a HIP contain

A HIP is a set of documents that provides the buyer with key information on the property and must be provided by the seller or the seller's agent. It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and you can't market your property without one.

The HIP lets buyers see important information about the property at the start of the process, free of charge. This means there is less chance of buyers becoming aware of any surprises at the end of the process. The HIP can help reduce delays and extra expense to the buyer and seller.

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.

7: Standard searches

The Home Information Pack must include:

A search of the local land charges register for the property being sold

This is carried out by a local council or personal search company and you’ll receive an official search certificate.

A search of the records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers

This includes planning decisions and road building proposals. These are referred to as local enquiries in the Home Information Pack Regulations and are carried out by a local authority or personal search company.

Details of the provision of drainage and water services to the property

The local water company or a personal search company can be used (however, the search must comply with the HIP Regulations).

See the section on ‘Finding your local council or a personal search company’ in ‘HIPs: Compiling a Home Information Pack’ for more information about land searches.