Further HIP information
HIP packs in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear and County Durham
Further Home Information Pack information
This page of the website gives further information on Home Information Packs (HIPs). There are a lot of regulations to do with Home Information Packs which can be quite confusing and the notes below are intended to give a summary of the main points. There are sections below on the HIP code, when a HIP is required, the required Home Information Pack content and the timescales that apply to a HIP.
A link is given at the bottom of the page for further reading about HIPs.
a) The HIP Code
The HIP code sets out minimum standards which HIP providers have to meet and provides protection to home buyers and sellers and others who rely on the information given in the Home Information Pack. The HIP code's key commitments, as assured by the HIP code logo, say that HIP providers will:
- Provide HIPs promptly and include the most up to date information when compiled.
- Respond promptly to queries raised on a HIP, to ensure improved understanding.
- Handle complaints speedily and fairly.
-
At all times maintain adequate and appropriate insurance cover to protect you.
- Act with integrity and ensure all HIP services comply with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards.
Please use this weblink to view the full HIP code: www.propertycodes.org.uk/HIP_code.aspx
b) When a Home Information Pack is required.
HIPs are required on most homes put on the market with vacant possession since
14th December 2007. There are some exceptions, examples of which are i) private sales not marketed to the public (e.g. between family members), ii) mixed use property marketed as one lot e.g. a shop with a flat and iii)dwellings with dual use and not primarily residential e.g. possibly a Bed & Breakfast property. A full list of exceptions and the particular conditions that apply to these exceptions are fully explained in the Home Information Pack regulations.
I will advise you on this as far as I am able to but it may be necessary in some cases to contact the helpline run by the Government Communities and Local Government office, telephone no. 020 7944 4400.
c) The required Home Information Pack content.
The basic required documents in a HIP Pack are the Index, a Property Information Questionnaire, the Energy Performance Certificate, a Sale Statement, Land Registry documents called the Evidence of Title and Title plan and Local Authority & Water Board searches. If the property is Leasehold a copy of the lease is also required. There are also additional or alternate requirements for Commonhold or new properties. If the property is not already registered with the Land Registry there are also alternative requirements to show proof of ownership.
In addition to this it is permitted to include so called authorised documents such as a new home warranty, a Home Condition Report and a Home Contents Form. These are intended to either give more complete information about the property or are included because of special circumstances that may not be fully covered by the required documents.
d) Timescales that apply to a Home Information Pack
A basic HIP Pack must be available on the first day of marketing your property. A basic pack comprises the Index, the Property Information Questionnaire, the Energy Performance Certificate, the Sale Statement and the Evidence of Title and Title plan. The searches, the copy of the lease (where applicable), commonhold documents (where applicable) and Proof of ownership documents where a property is not registered with the Land Registry can follow within 28 days.
The Energy Performance Certificate must be no older than three years on the first day of marketing. The searches and land Registry documents must be no more than three months old on the first day of marketing.
While the property is on the market continuously there is no legal requirement for the seller to purchase a new HIP Pack or update any of the content. If the seller decides to take their property off the market, they can put it back on the market with the same HIP as long as this happens within 12 months of the date when the property was first put up for sale. Even after one year, if the seller takes the property off the market after a sale has fallen through, they can go back to the market with the original Home Information Pack as long as remarketing starts within 28 days of the sale falling through.
e) Further reading about Home Information Packs
For more information on Home Information packs please go to the following Direct Gov web link www.directgov/..../BuyingAndSellingYourHome/Homeinformationpacks
Relevant key phrases for this page: HIP packs in Gateshead, Home Information Packs in Gateshead, Home Information Pack, Home Information Pack content.