Home Information Packs

Home Information Packs

What are Home Information Packs?

The Home Information Pack (HIP) is compulsory for most homes on the market in England and Wales. From April 2009, important changes will be made to HIPs. This means better information will be available from the first day a property is put on the market.

What is a Home Information Pack (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

Why do 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

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