From now on every home put on the market with three or more bedrooms needs a Home Information Pack (“HIP’s pack”). The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate, containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title. It will be an offence to market your property without making available to prospective buyers a HIP’s pack containing all the necessary documents and information.
The price for preparing the HIP’s pack will vary from one supplier to another but we believe that it is in your best interests to go for the most value-for-money option that will enable you to put your property on the market as soon as possible.
At Worrall Power Solicitors we can provide a fixed low price HIP pack independently. This will allow you to then “shop around” for an Estate Agent and negotiate the best terms. If you change agents for any reason then you can transfer the HIP’s pack as it will belong to you.
Much of the work required to prepare the HIP pack is what we as solicitors have done for many years when dealing with conveyancing matters. As solicitors we are able to explain the contents of the pack to you so that you don’t get any nasty surprises when you do come to market your property.
If you would like us to prepare your HIP pack or if you would like to discuss the HIP pack with please call one of our conveyancing team on 0845 2236 522.
Whats in a home information pack?
• Home Information Pack Index
This is an index of all the documents contained in the pack
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Energy Performance Certificate
Energy Performance Certificates tell 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. The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment.
• Sale statement
The sale statement should provide some basic information about the property, including:
The address of the property being sold
Whether the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold
Whether the property is registered or unregistered
Whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession
Standard searches
The Home Information Pack must include:
The local land charges register relating to the property being sold. Once a search is completed, which can be carried out by a personal search company or a local authority, you will receive an official search certificate.
Other records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers, such as planning decisions and road building proposals. These are referred to as local enquiries in the Home Information Pack regulations. A local authority or a personal search company can be used.
The provision of drainage and water services to the property. The local water company or a personal search company can be used.
• Evidence of title
These documents prove that the seller owns the property and therefore has the right to sell it. Where the property being sold is registered, certain documents that are available on request from the Land Registry must be included in the Pack. These provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and consist of:
Official copies of the individual register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, typically, a charges register)
An official copy of the title plan
Additional information will be required in the case of lease or common hold properties.
There is also the option to include additional items such as
Home Condition Report
Legal summary
Home use/contents forms
Other documents
But these are not compulsory and will depend upon particular circumstances and the individual.
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