From the 1st June, if you are buying or selling property, you will need to be aware of Home Information Packs.

What is a Home Information Pack?
A Home Information Pack (HIP) is a group of documents giving the buyer information about the property for sale, including legal ownership and energy performance.

How much will it cost me?
For buyers, the pack is free as it is put together at the cost of the seller.

Currently it is estimated that the pack could cost about £450.

Why do I need a HIP?
New laws created by the government mean that from June you cant sell a property without a Home Information Pack.

What are the benefits of HIPs?
For sellers, providing a pack 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.

For buyers, the pack provides essential information about properties they are considering buying - free of charge - and reduces the chance of unwelcome surprises later on in the process.

Who produces the HIP?
It is the seller or their estate agents responsibility to produce the pack, but your home cannot be marketed without one.

What is in a HIP?
A Home Information Pack contains:

• An Energy Performance Certificate - which shows how energy efficient the property is
• An Index of contents
• A Sale Statement
• Searches and Evidence of Title
• Other optional documents, such as a Home Condition Report.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
The Energy Performance Certificate is a document which rates the energy efficiency of the property on a scale from A-G, A being the most energy efficient. It also contains recommended ways to improve the building's energy performance.

An Energy Performance Inspector produces the certificate.

From 1 June 2007, in order to sell your home you'll need an Energy Performance Certificate as part of your Home Information Pack.

What is a Sale Statement?
The sale statement provides basic information about the property, including:

• The name of the seller
• The address of the property
• Whether the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold
• Whether the property is registered or unregistered
• Whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession

• The local land charges register relating to the property. If the local authority carries out the search, an official search certificate will be provided.
• Other local authority records, such as planning decisions and road building proposals. These are known as local enquiries.
• The provision of drainage and water services to the property. The local water company or a personal search company can be used to provide this information.

What is the Evidence of Title?
The evidence of title document proves that the seller owns the property and has the right to sell the property.

Where the property is registered, documents from the Land Registry must be included in the Pack. These provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and consist of:

• Official copies of the individual register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, typically, a charges register)
• An official copy of the title plan

The Home Information Pack aims to:

• Provide information needed by buyers and sellers at the start
of the buying/selling process, enabling them to be better prepared before they make decisions

• Supply the information in a user friendly, easy to understand format

• Reduce frustration and stress when buying or selling

• Cut costs by reducing the rates of failed transactions

Remember, the Home Information pack is compulsory from 1st June 2007. It will be illegal from this date to market your house without one.

Contact Conveyancing-0800 today for more information or a competitive quote on your conveyancing requirements.

We can help you if you are buying or selling your property. We now also offer our services across Northern Ireland. So complete our online enquiry form today and receive a quote within the hour.