The Government has taken the next step in the introduction of Home Information Packs by extending the scheme to include three bedroom properties from 10th September.

HIPs have had to be rolled out in stages because there aren’t yet enough energy assessors available to make the system work across the whole housing market. Consequently, when HIPs first came into effect on 1st August, they only applied to properties with four or more bedrooms.

Now ministers say they are ready to move on to the next stage as more assessors are trained and make HIPs compulsory for anyone selling a three bedroom house. 

The packs must contain an index of contents, an Energy Performance Certificate, a sale statement, standard searches by local authorities or evidence that a search has been requested, evidence of title and information on leasehold or commonhold sales.

Originally it was intended that the packs should contain a Home Condition Report but that plan was abandoned when it became clear that there wouldn’t be enough inspectors to provide them.

It means that the Energy Performance Certificates are now the most important new element of HIPs. The certificates provide houses with energy ratings which are similar to the ratings provided for fridges. They enable buyers to assess the energy running costs of the property.

Until the end of the year, people will be allowed to market their properties as soon as they have commissioned a pack rather than wait until it is ready. 

After all the changes, HIPs have arrived more with a whimper than the expected big bang. This has led some people to speculate as to whether they will survive and whether some sellers may decide to ignore the law and not bother to provide the packs.

However, the Department for Communities and Local Government has stressed that anyone selling a house with three or more bedrooms risks a penalty notice of £200 of they don’t provide a HIP. These penalties can be repeated as many times as the offence is repeated.

Please contact us if you would like more details about Home Information Packs or advice about selling a property.