Frequently Asked Questions About Home Information Packs (HIP's)
When did the Home Information Packs come into effect?
1st August 2007.
Which properties require a Home Information Pack?
All properties marketed from 14th December 2007 require a Home Information Pack.
What if my property was on the market before 14 December?
If your property is 2 bedroom or under and you marketed prior to 14th December 2007 then you do not need a HIP. For 3 bedroom properties if you marketed prior to 10th September 2007 you do not need a HIP and for 4 bedroom and over if you marketed prior to 1st August 2007 you do not need a HIP.
How long does a Home Information Pack last?
Until the home is sold. If the home is taken off the market for less than a year and then re-marketed, the same Home Information Pack may be used though it may no longer be up to date so you could require that it is revised.
Where do I get my HIP?
ALPHA HIPS, Estate Agents and Solicitors can provide you with a HIP.
I'm selling my house privately - do I need a Home Information Pack?
If you are marketing your property, ie making it available for sale to a member of the public, even if it's just by putting a 'For Sale' sign your window, you need a Home Information Pack.
If you agree a sale privately, without marketing, ie your relative or friend, wants to buy your home you do not need a Home Information Pack.
How long is a Home Information Pack valid for?
Some documents can be no more than three months old when marketing starts, but there is no obligation to update Home Information Packs as long as the property remains on the market.
No component of the Home Information Pack should be more than 12 months old on the day the property goes on sale.
Who pays for the Home Information Pack?
You have to pay, Just remember that you will only own the Pack when you have paid for it yourself.
Do I have to put electrical certificates in my Home Information Pack?
Electrical certificates (past or present) are not a legal requirment of the Home Information Pack, but can be included if you have them.
I can not find guarantees of work I have had done - what do I do?
Don't worry - guarantees are not a legal requirement of the Home Information Pack, but can be included if you have them.
What can I expect to see in my Home Information Pack?
Registered Freehold Properties
Required Documents
- Index
- Energy Performance Certificate
- Sale Statement
- Official copies of the Registers
- Official copy of the Title Plan
- Where part of the property is let or will become let on completion of the sale, copies of any lease or licenses to which the property is subject
- Local land Charges Search
- Local Authority Search
- Drainage & Water Search
Sample Authorised Documents
- A Home Condition Report (HCR) - HIP HIP hooray.com will always recommend that an HCR is included in the HIP
- Official copies of documents referred to on the register of the property
- Additional search reports
- Any documents referred to in a search report
- Home Use Form
- Home Content Form
Leasehold Properties
Required Documents
- Index
- Energy Performance Certificate
- Sale statement
- Official copies of the registers
- Official copy of the title plan
- A copy of the lease or leases, any deeds of variation and other leases or licenses that are relevant to or affect the title
- Where part of the property is let or will become let on completion of the sale copies of any lease or licences to which the property is subject
- Any rules and regulations in force at the time made by the managing agent or landlord
- Statements or summaries of service charges relating to the previous three years
- The most recent request for payment of service charge, ground rent and insurance relating to the preceding 12 month period
- The name and address of the current or proposed landlord, of the managing agents or proposed managing agents and of any other person who might be likely to manage the property
- Any alterations to the proposed lease or regulations
- A summary of any works being proposed or undertaken that affect the property
- Local land charges search
- Local Authority search
- Drainage & water search
Sample Authorised Documents
- A Home Condition Report (HCR)
- Official copies of documents referred to on the register of the property
- Additional search reports
- Any documents referred to in a search report
What should I do if searches or leasehold documents are still needed?
If any documents are still outstanding, you should contact our Customer Support Team on support@alphahips.co.uk
Should I put a Home Condition Report in the Home Information Pack?
The choice of a Home Condition Report is yours. It is not required by law, but if you choose to go ahead then it is an extra expense that could help you sell your property more quickly if it shows that it is in good condition BUT if it highlights any problems it could delay the sale of your home.
