HIPs: a seller's guide

Why you need a HIP

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 on the property at the start of the process, free of charge.

This means there's 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.

You don’t need a HIP for:

• properties where there is no marketing, for example if you are selling to a member of your family
• non-residential properties
• properties limited by law to use as holiday accommodation or occupation for less than 11 months per year
• mixed sales, for example a shop with flat
• sales of portfolios of properties, for example selling two properties together
• properties not being sold with completely vacant possession, for example with a sitting tenant
• unsafe properties and properties due to be demolished
• properties sold through the ‘Right to Buy’, ‘Right to Acquire’ and ‘Social HomeBuy’ home ownership schemes

What is in a HIP

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.

From 6 April 2009, the HIP must be available and contain the following documents on the first day a property is put on the market:

• Home Information Pack Index
• Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA)
  
• sustainability information (required for newly built homes)
  
• sale statement
  
• evidence of title

If the following documents are unavailable when marketing begins, they should be added to the HIP as soon as they are available. These documents must be included within 28 days of the date the property was first placed on the market:

• standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)
  
• a copy of the lease for leasehold properties
  
• commonhold documents, where appropriate

Where you can get a HIP

If you need to get a HIP, you can choose any of the following options:

• get an estate agent to do it
• use a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer
• use a specialist HIP provider
• compile it yourself

Finding a HIP provider

If you are commissioning a HIP, you should shop around as prices vary, and check the terms and conditions of your contract. You should always make sure that your HIP provider is signed up to a code of practice, like the HIP Code.
You can find more here: www.nationalhipcentre.co.uk

Buyers and Sellers

From 6 April 2009, the HIP must be available on the first day a property is marketed for sale. If you are buying a property, just ask whoever is advertising it for sale for a copy of the Home Information Pack. This is usually an estate agent, but could be another business or individual.

They must give you a copy of the pack free of charge. However, they may make a reasonable charge to cover the costs of copying and posting it.

From 6 April 2009, the 'responsible person' (in most cases, the estate agent) will not be allowed to market your property unless the HIP is available. You'll need to make arrangements to have a HIP compiled (including paying for it) along with other preparations for selling your home. However, if there's a delay in getting certain documents, like the local searches, these can be added after your house is put on the market.

Who compiles the HIP?

You can compile it yourself or you can hire an estate agent, solicitor or HIP provider to do it for you. Always make sure that your HIP provider is signed up to a code of practice, like the HIP Code.

Who pays for the HIP?

The seller is responsible for the cost of a HIP. The cost can vary so make sure you shop around. Some providers may offer HIPs that you can pay for at a later date but you should always check the terms and conditions of your contract.