Using a Home Information Pack

If you're responsible for marketing a property then you need to provide a HIP for applicable properties.

What properties need a pack?

From 14 December 2007 anyone selling a residential property in England or Wales must have ordered a HIP before the property can be put on the market. This includes any advertising, putting up a 'for sale' board or the estate agent communicating with prospective buyers.

There are some exceptions to the properties requiring a HIP – this includes properties being sold with a business, such as a flat above a pub; or buy-to-let properties sold with sitting tenants.

From 1 June 2008 this changes – you'll need a completed HIP before you can market the property.

Why use a pack?

Packs can increase the success and speed of a sale:

HIPs provide information that helps buyers make realistic offers. In government trials the average fall through rate – withdrawal or unsuccessful renegotiation of an accepted offer – was cut from 33% to just 8% of sales.
The sales process becomes easier to manage because the time to completion is significantly reduced.
You'll make the property more attractive to buyers. Documents the buyer would previously have to purchase, such as searches or an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) are provided for them, up front.