When is a HIP required?

When does a property require a Home Information Pack (HIP)?

From 14 December 2007 all properties marketed in England and Wales need a HIP (Home Information Pack).

Properties are allowed to be legally marketed before the HIP is completed but a HIP must be ordered, or commissioned, beforehand.

Should the property have already been marketed prior to its relevant commencement date the, under current legislation, it does not require a Home Information Pack (HIP).

The relevant commencement dates for different property sizes are as follows:

- 4 or more bedrooms = 01.08.2007
- 3 or more bedrooms = 10.09.2007
- 2 bedrooms or less = 14.12.2007

Currently, no date has been set for when those properties already on the market will be required to have a Home Information Pack (HIP).

HIPS see full roll-out

Full roll-out of Home Information Packs (HIPs)

From today all properties will require a Home Information Pack (HIPs) before marketing their property.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will deliver A-G “fridge style” ratings to help homeowners reduce their fuel bills and carbon emissions.

First time buyers will see their upfront costs drop as their local searches are including within HIPs and paid for by the seller.

The initial delay of Home Information Packs was delayed until enough accredited energy assessors were available to compile the Energy Perfomance Certificates without creating delays in the marketing of homes.

Home Information Packs benefit purchasers, particularly first time buyers, by providing information at the beginning of the process which previously they would have had to pay for.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said:
"All homebuyers should be able to get an energy rating for their new home as well as useful advice on how to cut fuel bills and carbon emissions too. Those buyers with low rated homes will also be able to get grants to help put in things like loft insulation or a new boiler. HIPs will also help buyers, especially first time buyers, by giving them important information about their homes they previously had to pay for."