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Frequently Asked Questions about HIPS

HIPS

Home Information Packs - Do I need one?

A Home Information Pack, More commonly known as a HIP, is required to advertise any property for sale in England and Wales, with certain exclusions.

What are the Exclusions?

The following properties are exempt from the Home Information Pack 

• Properties in Scotland and Northern Ireland
• Property not offered on the open market (e.g direct sale to family member, friend, or neighbour)
• Non-residential property (i.e shops or mixed commercial)
• Properties sold with sitting tenants and not available for owner ocupation
• Homes on the market before HIPs were introduced

What is a Home Information Pack?

A Home Information Pack contains a variety of legal documents about a property being offered for sale including an energy rating certificate.

Home owners are required to provide a Home Information Pack (HIP) for buyers when a property is placed on the market for sale.  This applied to all properties from December 2007. 

 Home Information Packs relate to the marketing of the property by any method - you don't need to be selling with an estate agent to comply with or purchase HIPs which are available through any authorised supplier, including through The Big Move Online.

 

What Does a HIP contain?

THe main documents included in the HIP consist of an energy rating certificate and other documents required to exchange contracts on the property.  The HIP not include a Home Condition Report (building survey) at this time.

Main Documents

• Energy Efficiency Report
• Terms of sale
• Evidence of the title
• Standard searches
• Planning consents, agreements, building control certificates
• Sellers property information form
• Warranties and guarantees

Leasehold Supplements

• Copy of the lease
• Service charge accounts
• Building insurance policy details and payment receipts
• Regulations made by the landlord or management company
• Memorandum and articles of the landlord and management company

Aren't 'free' HIPs offered by estate agents

Take great care, so-called 'free' Home Information Packs are ALWAYS subject to terms and conditions. Of course, it's not really 'free' at all, the cost of the HIP must be paid for (by you) at some point, usually by a higher commission rate on the property sale or a tie in clause, meaning that your agent 'owns' the HIP and you can't change to another agent if you need to.

Buying your HIP direct with us means that you (not the estate agent) own the HIP and can use it with any other agent or private marketing. It will also be cheaper than the true hidden cost of an agent's 'free' HIP.

Can the The Big Move Online provide me with a HIP?

Yes, The Big Move Online has a special deal for our customers. We offer a HIP that you own yourself, with no restrictive terms and the option of a 7 month defered payment until or until completion of the sale, which ever comes first (no upfront cost). This is not a 'free' HIP, but is probably the cheapest way to buy your HIP complete and direct.

Order your Home Information Pack (HIP) for £320 including VAT  by clicking here