Home Information Packs
Home Information Packs (HIPs) are designed to speed up the home buying process by making sure the seller has information about their property before starting to market the property for sale. This means that under Part 5 of the Housing Act 2004 a legal responsibility will fall on the person selling the property (the vendor) or their marketing agent to ensure all relevant documents are ready to present to prospective buyers on request.

Terms of Sale

Details of the seller, the property and the price.

Energy Performance Report

This provides a rating indicating how energy efficient the property is. It also suggests measures that could be taken to improve that rating.

Home Condition Report*

A report on the condition of the property that can be relied upon by buyer, seller and lender. The report is in a standard format and covers the general condition of the property taking account of its age, character and location and any defects or other matters requiring attention.

Information from Seller

A seller will usually complete standard questionnaires when they sell a property and this section contains copies.

Title

This contains copies of documents that comprise the legal title to the property giving evidence of ownership and of the rights and obligations which affect the property.

Searches

Searches are made at certain Authorities to establish information which might adversely affect the purchase or ownership of the property.

* - These sections are not mandatory