Home Information Packs will become compulsory from 1st August 2007.

Home Information Packs will become compulsory from 1st August 2007.

The Government today confirmed it will be compulsory for all sellers of properties with four bedrooms or more to have ordered a Home Information Pack (HIP) prior to marketing of the property.

Smaller properties will be scaled into the initiative once there are enough qualified energy assessors, both nationally and locally, to compile the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

A severe lack of accredited domestic energy assessors has led to HIPS being postponed.

Currently, over 1,000 domestic energy assessors are able to compile the EPCs but this is below the government target of 3,000.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is the only new element to be introduced into the Home Information Packs (HIPs). The UK government is wanting the EPC to drive changes in consumer behavior by prioritizing our household spend into areas of the greatest environmental benefit.

Interestingly, the Government will provide up to 5,000 subsidised EPCs for every HIP commissioned until August 1.

Ruth Kelly said:
"HIPs and EPCs will provide an opportunity to make real progress on transforming the home buying and selling process in the interests of consumers and the environment. The approach outlined today will phase in the introduction of HIPs and EPCs while making early carbon savings from homes."

Yvette Cooper said:
"Energy Performance Certificates are projected to save nearly a million tonnes of carbon per year by 2020, and help families to cut hundreds of pounds from their fuel bills."
"Homebuyers will for the first time get energy ratings on homes - similar to consumer friendly fridge ratings - as well as cost-effective measures that will help reduce the 27 per cent of emissions that come from homes."

It is hoped Home Information Packs will bring greater transparency to the process of buying and selling a home.

However, opponents have criticised HIPs claiming that, without the Home Condition Report, they will do nothing to reduce the risk of wasted money, time and energy by those involved in the property market.