What is a HIP?

It is a pack that will contain important information related to the property which is for sale. The packs will include an Energy Performance Certificate providing a Pack upfront should reduce the likelihood of any nasty surprises in the selling process that could delay the sale, as buyers will be able to make more informed decisions about purchasing their home.

What will a pack contain?

Compulsory items
The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack:
Home Information Pack Index
Energy Performance Certificate
Sale statement
Standard searches
Evidence of title
Where appropriate additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales

Optional items
Some documents in the Home Information Pack are optional. These include:
Home Condition Report
Legal summary
Home use/contents forms
Other documents

Getting a Pack

For sellers
If you are selling your home, there are a number of options in obtaining a pack:

Use an estate agent
Get a solicitor to do it
Use a specialist Pack provider
Compile it yourself
Enlist the help of other businesses, such as financial advisers
Some supermarkets have also indicated that they might provide packs.

If you're selling a private residential property on the open market, you will normally need a Home Information Pack. However there are some exceptions, you may wish to check to see how this may affect you.


For Buyers
If you are buying ask whoever is advertising it for sale for the Home Information Pack. This is usually an estate agent, but could be another business or individual.

If it's an estate agent, they must give you a copy of the Pack free of charge (although they may make a reasonable charge to cover the costs of copying and posting it). If the seller isn't using an estate agent, you should be able to get the Pack directly from them.

For further information regarding the contents of a Home Information Pack please go to
www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk