As from the 6th April 2009 a property will not be marketed unless a Home Information pack has been ordered and a Property Information Form (PIQ) has first been been completed. This document will be included in the HIP.

All new homes must also have a modified form of the HIP produced when the building is physically complete and a PIQ completed.

What does a Pack contain?

The following compulsory documents must also be included in a Home Information Pack before marketing; 

• Home Information Pack IndexThe Index lists the documents contained in the Pack and provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities.
• Energy Performance Certificate  Energy Performance Certificates tells you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A. The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
• Evidence of titleThese documents prove that the seller owns the property and therefore has the right to sell it.
• Additional information for leaseholdand commonhold sales, where appropriate.
• Sale statement  The sale statement should provide some basic information about the property, including: the address of the property being sold; if the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold; if the property is registered or unregistered; ifthe property is being sold with vacant possession

The following documents, if unaivable when marketing begins, must be included as soon as possible and within 28 days;

• Standard searches: the local land charges register relating to the property being sold; local enquiries on records held by the local authority on matters such as planning decisions and road building proposals; the provision of drainage and water services to the property.
• Additonal information for Leasehold (copy of lease) and Commonhold.
• Unregistered properties - documents showing proof of title.

For more information on Home Information Packs, follow the link to the Official website.

COST: Pay on order*               £325 + VAT = £373.75

            Defer for 9 Months*     £375 + VAT = £431.25. The HIP is paid for from whichever is first:
                                                                                                                           1) The proceeds of the Sale
                                                                                                                           2) When you wthdraw the property from sale
                                                                                                                           3) After 9 months

            No Sale, No fee *          £450 + VAT = £517.50 The HIP is paid for from the proceeds of the sale.
                                                                                      You must market the house for at least 9 months, and the house
                                                                                      must be marketed for sale at a figure no more than 5% higher
                                                                                      than the Estate Agents valuation.

*Costs are for Freehold properties. Costs may vary for Leasehold, commonhold of unregistered properties..

For more information on Home Information Packs, follow the link to the Official website.