Since the 14th December 2007, the law requires that if you are marketing a property for sale you must now produce a Home Information Pack (HIP) for that property.

A HIP will contain legal documents, including local searches and an Energy Performance Certificate. Cooper Adams offers many ways of helping with the initial cost of the HIP. The cost of the HIP can be offset and paid for on completion. So....
NO UPFRONT PAINFUL COSTS!

Frequently Asked Questions about HIPs

What do I have to do to get a HIP?
Nothing! When you instruct Cooper Adams on the sale of your property Cooper Adams will organise the HIP for you.

What does a HIP contain?

• Index (of information within the pack)
• Statement of sale
• Evidence of title (including copies of lease for leasehold properties)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Standard searches (inc local authority land charge searches and drainage searches)
• Details of service charges (inc ground rent etc), building insurance, management company's details & accounts - for leasehold properties only

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The EPC is broadly similar to certificates found on many domestic appliances.

A certificate gives the building an asset rating based on its energy efficiency (it does not take into account how the home is used by the occupiers).

The EPC will give the building a rating from A to G - an A rating shows it's very efficient, meaning lower fuel bills, while G is inefficient, meaning higher fuel bills.

It will also show the building's environmental impact by indicating its carbon dioxide emissions.

All EPCs will be carried out by fully trained and qualified Domestic Energy Assessors.

Must I have a HIP completed before I can market my property?
At present the law dictates that a HIP must be commissioned and payment arranged before marketing can commence, but does not have to be completed.

Must I have a HIP completed before a sale can be agreed on my property?
Currently no. However, the EPC must be provided.

How long does a HIP last?
Until your property is sold. If you take your property off the market within a year of creating the HIP the same pack can be used. The HIP is invalid after 1 year if not on the market. Some documents can be no more than three months old when a sale is agreed (eg searches).

How long will a HIP take to produce?
The time it takes to produce a HIP may vary, with 1-2 weeks being the expected duration.

Is a HIP necessary if my 4 bedroomed property was marketed before 1st August 2007?
If the property has not been off the market for longer than 1 month before 1st August 2007 then a HIP is not required.

Is a HIP necessary if my 3 bedroomed property was marketed before 10th September 2007?
If the property has not been off the market for longer than 1 month before 10th September 2007 then a HIP is not required.

Is a HIP necessary if my Studio, 1 or 2 bedroomed property was marketed before 14th December 2007?
If the property has not been off the market for longer than 1 month before 14th December 2007 then a HIP is not required.

Cooper Adams will gladly go through this with you.

What properties are exempt from HIPs?

• Properties where there is no marketing (e.g. sale to member of your family)
• Non-residential properties
• Seasonal and holiday accommodation
• Mixed sales (e.g. shop with flat)
• Those with land over five hectares, either woodland, for breeding animals or agricultural use
• Sales of portfolios of properties
• Properties not being sold with completely vacant possession
• Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished

What do I do next?
For more information on HIPs, or to find out how much your property is worth call 01903 770055 Cooper Adams.