Home Information Packs move forward to the next stage

Home Information Packs move forward to the next stage

Three bedroom properties will be required to have a Home Information Pack (HIP) from 10 September 2007.

It was decided to phase in the implementation of Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) when it became clear that there would not be enough accredited domestic energy assessors.

Following the introduction of the packs for homes with four bedrooms and above on 1 August 2007, the Government has decided to roll out the requirement for Home Information Packs to three bedroom homes next month following an increase in the number of accredited energy assessors available.

Once the necessary energy assessors, both nationally and regionally, are in place then the Government will look to phase in all remaining residential properties.

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said:
"We are now ready to start rolling out HIPs and EPCs to the next part of the market as promised, and improve a home buying and selling process which currently is not working for consumers or the environment."

"HIPs and EPCs can help families to save hundreds of pounds off their fuel bills, and cut a million tonnes of carbon a year. They also have the potential to reduce the millions of pounds wasted by consumers when buying and selling a home, by increasing transparency and competition in a process that hasn't changed for a generation."