Home Information Packs (Hips) - 14th December 2007 |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Mar 15 2008 at 12:21 PM |
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The Government has announced that Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be rolled out to all properties from 14th December�2007.
HIPs and EPCs are being introduced on a phased basis to ensure a smooth transition in the housing market, and to begin the process of transforming the home buying and selling process in the interests of consumers and the environment at the earliest opportunity.
Following the introduction of the packs for homes with four bedrooms and above on 1 August 2007, the Government has confirmed there will be enough energy assessors, nationally and regionally, to roll out to all properties, having taken into account the operation of HIPs in the market.
HIPs and EPCs will give house buyers energy ratings for homes for the first time, from A to G - similar to consumer friendly ratings for fridges, helping to lower fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions.
The whole idea of the packs has been controversial from the outset.
Some warn that it will add an unnecessary layer of expense and bureaucracy to the house selling process - but others argue that it brings much-needed transparency.
It remains to be seen what happens in the forthcoming months.
I want to sell my house and was told that I will need a Home Information Pack. What are they?
The packs are to contain information that will be useful to any potential buyer.
Copies of title deeds, any recent planning permission or building consent given on the property, a local area search and an energy performance certificate will all be in the pack.
Under the rules, everyone who puts their property up for sale in England and Wales will eventually be legally obliged to produce a Hip. Failure to produce a Hip can lead to a substantial fine.
Scotland is set to get its own version of Hips in 2008.
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