HIPS | Home Information Packs | New Build HIP Packs

TOP 50 Estate Agents

2008-04-10T10:17:00.004+01:00

The Top 50 Estate Agents By Number Of Branches

Countrywide plc
Connells
LSL Property Services
Halifax Estate Agency
Spicerhaart
Arun Estates
Hamptons International
Humberts
Savills
Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
Andrews Estate Agents
Knight Frank
Strutt & Parker
Chancellors Estate Agents
Badger Holdings
Jackson Stops + Staff
Bradleys
Acorn Group
Farrell Heyworth
Jump Estate Agents
Keith Pattinson Limited
O'Riordan Bond
Goadsby
Peter Alan
Foxtons
Thamesview
Chestertons Residential
Rook Matthews Sayer
Burchell Edwards
Dacre Son & Hartley
Harrison Murray
Smiths Gore
The Venmore Partnership
Nottingham Property Services
Besley Hill
Cluttons
Henry Adams
John Francis Estate Agents
Curchods
Edward Mellor
McCartneys
Manning Stainton
Stags
Webbers
Douglas & Gordon
Miller & Son
Newton Fallowell
Howards
Pearson's
Cheshire Property Services
Romans

Source: Estate Agency News

6th April 2008: New Build HIPs Legislation

2008-04-06T00:01:00.000+01:00

New Build HIPs Legislation Starts Today

New legislation came into force today, 6th April 2008, requiring all new build properties to require a HIP before any form of marketing on an existing or planned development can take place.

Previously, an exemption had been in force allowing any property built to 2006 building regulations to be exempt from the requirement to have a HIP. The legislation now applies to all new build properties whether 2002 bulding regulations or 2006 building regulations apply.

Now all new build properties, even at the planning stage, require a Home Information Pack before any form of marketing can commence.

Developers and estate agents need to take extra care to ensure they do not fall foul of a £200 penaly per plot by understanding how broadly the term 'marketing' is interpreted within the new build HIP legislation.

Marketing can be:
- notice of any future planned development on a website
- any communication, electronic, verbal or written to any potential investors such as previous customers or buy-to-let property clubs
- advertising signs present on the development site
- any other traditional form of marketing such as newspaper advertisements, press releases and property shows

New build HIPs are available from abc-hips.co.uk at only £99 + vat.

PRESS RELEASE: New Build HIPs Exemption Expires Today

2008-04-03T22:52:00.002+01:00

New Build HIPs Exemption Expires Today

For Release On 6th April 2008

From today, all new build properties must have a HIP before marketing can commence. Previous regulations, exempting properties built to 2006 Building Regulations, have been superseded meaning a HIP must be ordered and paid for on any new build or off-plan development marketed for sale.

Abc-hips.co.uk are informing developers and estate agents they can face fines of £200 per day per property should they be found to not adhere to the HIP regulations. Responsibility for obtaining a HIP rests with the company marketing the property.

Developers and their agents should take care in their understanding of when marketing of a property has occurred. Any public communication is considered marketing including notice of future developments on a company website.

Cost-effective new build HIPs are available from abc-hips.co.uk from £99 + vat.
Full details can be found at www.abc-hips.co.uk/newbuildhips.html

About abc-hips:
Abc-hips.co.uk specialise in HIPs for new build properties are the cheapest AHIPP Hip Pack Providers. New Build HIPs start from £99 + vat and comply with the HIP Code.
ENDS

Predicted Energy Assessment Software

2008-04-02T17:56:00.003+01:00

Software For Predicted Energy Assessments (PEAs)

If you know your SAP and Environmental Impact Ratings for your new build development you can use this software to create your Predicted Energy Assessment

New Build HIPs FAQs

2008-04-01T13:08:00.005+01:00

New Build Home Information Packs Frequently Asked Questions

Do New Builds Need HIPs?

From April 6th 2008, all new build properties, complete or incomplete, need to have a New Build HIP ordered prior to marketing the property.

Are there any exceptions to New Build HIPs?

There are some exceptions such as:

• Sale of portfolios of properties
• Private sales where no marketing has taken place
• Seasonal and holiday accommodation
• Right to buy sales

What are the penalties for not adhering to HIP legislation?

HIP legislation, including new builds, is enforced by local authority enforcement officers.

Penalties are £200 per property per day.

Who is responsible for ordering the HIP?

Responsibility lies with the company marketing the development. It will either be the housing developer or the estate agent tasked with marketing the development.

What is included within the HIP?

Compulsory documents included:

- Index
- Energy Performance Certificate or Predicted Energy Assessment
- Evidence of title
- Local Authority Searches
- Drainage and Water Searches
- Relevant leasehold and commonhold sales information where appropriate such as a copy of the lease.

Authorised documents which are not compulsory but can be officially included with the New Build Home Information Pack are:

- New Homes Warranty
- Environmental, Mining and Flood Searches

Can a property be marketed if some documents are not available?

It is a legal requirement to have ordered and paid for a HIP for each property. However, it can take 3 -10 working days for local authority information to be returned.

Once the HIP is ordered you have 28 days to complete the New Build HIP Pack.

Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate or a Predicted Energy Assessment?

This depends on whether the property is complete or not. Incomplete properties have a PEA based upon drawings. Complete properties have an EPC. If a property becomes complete before it is sold, an Energy Performance Certificate will be required to replace the PEA.

Are electronic New Build HIPs acceptable?

Absolutely, over 90% of all HIPs are electronic only saving money and resources.

How can I save money on my New Build HIPs?

abc-hips offer the cheapest New Build HIPs available. Whether you compare us to NHBC or hip2go we are the most competitive New Build HIP offering - and by quite a distance.

abc-hips can provide you with a HIP for most of your properties at onl £99 + VAT each. That compares with £190 + VAT for a NHBCBuilder New Build HIP.

Your first HIP for the development is £234 + VAT with each additional property at £99 + VAT.

How Can I Save Time Completing My HIPs?

You don't want to be completing your own HIP. Having HIP software is fine but do you really need the hassle of sourcing documents and uploading and managing Home Information Packs?

abc-hips do all the work for you sourcing searches, uploading documents and hosting the online New Build Home Information Pack.

Do I have to show the HIP to potential buyers?

HIPs should be made available to potential buyers at the earliest opportunity.

You are obliged in law to provide one when requested. This can be an electronic version (simply direct them to your unique URL) or a hard copy within 14 days. Reasonable payment can be requested to provide a hard copy.

Visit http://www.abc-hips.co.uk/ or call 0845 459 2014 to speak with a Customer Support Advisor

New Build HIPs and Predictive Energy Assessments

2008-03-30T16:50:00.004+01:00

Predictive Energy Assessments for New Build Properties

HIPs for existing dwellings are required to have a Energy Performance Certificate. As new homes marketed "off-plan" are physically incomplete, all new build HIPs will contain a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA).

Predictive Energy Assessments can only be created by an accredited SAP assessor using SAP2005 cmpliant software.

Should a home become complete before a sale is completed then a full Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be required. The EPC will replace the PEA and must be requested within 14 days of the physical completion of the property.

Predictive Energy Assessment Graphs can be produced using the following software. Click here for Predicted Asset Ratings software.

New Build HIPs for Property Developers

2008-03-30T16:35:00.003+01:00

HIPs come into force for all new build and off-plan developments

From April 6th, all new homes built will fall under the HIP legislation. This includes HIPs built to 2006 Building Regulations which had previously been exempt.

All new build properties built to 2002 or 2006 Building Regulations are now required to have a HIP before any form of marketing can begin.

The legal penalties for not having a new build HIP are £200 per day per property.

A new build HIP must have been ordered and paid for prior to marketing commencing. The HIP pack does not have to have been completed for marketing to begin. This exemption is due to be removed when 'first-day marketing' comes into effect on 1st June 2008.

New build HIPs can be arranged through abc-hips.co.uk

AHIPP Members

2008-03-13T13:36:00.005Z

List of Members of Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP)

abc-hips.co.uk
7side limited
AllHIP
Allison & Partners
Allied Surveyors
Awdry Bailey & Douglas
Barnetts Solicitors
The Coal Authority
Connells
Cranbrook HIPs Ltd
Dickinson-Dees
Easier2Move
Easy Convey
ECMK Ltd
EcoHIP™ Ltd
ehips
eHIP
1stHIPS
Geodesys
GroundSure
Habitus
hammondsdirect
Hips Homes
HIPAG
Hipcompliance
HIP Payment Services
HIP London LLP
hipsandhcrs
Hipsco
HIP HIP HOORAY
HIPshop
HIPSTAR
HIP Supply Company
HIPSync Ltd
Homes Matter
Jordans
Landmark Information Group
LCF Residential Ltd
Lending Solutions
Lexis Nexis Visualfiles
The LIVE Organisation
LMS
Localhip
Martin Tolhurst Partnership
MDA Advantage
MoveMachine
movingwith.biz
MyHomeMove
mysalepack.com
Northgate Information Solutions
OneSearch Direct
OpenBook
Optima Legal Services
OrderHips.com
Pack Provider
Property Link Solutions
Property-packs.com
Property Transaction Pack Ltd
Professional Property Searches
ProHIP Ltd
Promise Home Packs
The Property Search Group
Quest Associates
Quidos Ltd
reallymoving.com Ltd
Richards Gray
Safe-Move
National Energy Services (NES)
Searchflow
Severn Trent Searches
Simply HIP
Si Reports Ltd
Spicerhaart Group
SSH Chartered Surveyors
STL Group
Stratify Associates Ltd
Superhips.co.uk
Surehome
TG Baynes
Total Property Searches
Vibrant Energy
VLM UK Ltd
xit2 Limited

What is the HIP Code?

2008-03-13T13:07:00.003Z

HIP Code Compliance

The HIP Code provides protection for property professionals and the homebuying public.

The HIP Code is a seal of assurance that the information included in the Home Information Pack (HIP) cab be relied upon by all the parties involved.

Subscribers to the HIP Code are required to meet strict standards in relation to the service which they provide.

These HIP standards cover the following main areas:

- Provide HIPs promptly and include the most up-to-date available information when compiled.
- Handle complaints speedily and fairly.
- Respond promptly to queries raised on a HIP, to ensure improved understanding.
- At all times maintain adequate and appropriate insurance cover to protect you.
- Act with integrity and ensure that all HIP services comply with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards

Finally, the HIP Code logo should be visible on the Home Information Pack.

The HIP Code is managed by the Property Codes Compliance Board.

HIPs Trial Research Results Published

2008-03-06T20:52:00.003Z

72% of buyers happy with their HIP.

Results of the government trials on HIPS show that buyers and sellers involved are satisfied with Home Information Packs.

The purpose of the HIP trials was to test public response to the HIP Packs and highlight areas of improvement prior to the HIPs launch.

The MORI research stated that

- 72% of home sellers were happy with their Hip
- 79 % claimed the HIP expressed all the information they expected
- 81 % reported that they understood the information included in the HIP.
- A third of buyers stated they intended to take action on the energy saving recommendations

AHIPP, the Association of Hip Pack Providers stated "These results show that even some months ahead of the implementation of Hips across the country, consumers in a number of locations were already seeing the benefits of the new process."

"What is also clear is that property professionals did not engage fully with the process and many consumers did not see the Hip on their property. Had they done so the results would surely have been even better."

Leasehold HIP Cost Comparisons

2008-02-01T12:51:00.001Z

A Comparison of Leasehold HIP Costs By HIP Providers

The following analysis lists all advertised leasehold HIP costs from AHIPP members:

£254 abc-hips

£269 hipsandhcrs.com

£299+ movingwith.biz

£325 easiertomove.com

HIPS without an EPC for £165

2008-02-01T12:39:00.000Z

Include Your Own EPC Within Your Home Information Pack For £165 + VAT

abc-hips provide users with the opportunity to include their own energy performance certificate within their HIP pack for only £165 + VAT

The benefits of such an approach are that:

- your existing energy assessor or home inspector can be used
- a further margin can be gained if you can source your EPC at a better price
- improved flexibility

Once your order is completed you will receive details via e-mail of how to submit your EPC to include within your pack.

How Long Does a HIP Last For?

2008-01-29T18:08:00.000Z

How Long Are Home Information Packs Valid For?

The Energy Performance Certificate is valid for twelve months. This still applies even if the property has been sold and then put back on the market within those twelve months.

Local searches are valid for six months, so it is possible that new ones will need to be included if the property is on the market beyond this time.

If a property has a break in marketing then a new HIP pack is required. However, even if the seller changes estate agency then a new Home Information Pack will not be required providing there has been no break in the marketing.

Electrical Certificates and HIPs

2008-01-29T18:04:00.000Z

Do Home Information Packs (HIP packs) need to include the electrical certificate?

Electrical certificates can be included within a HIP pack. However, they are not a compulsory element of the Home Information Pack.

Therefore, only include an electrical certificate if it is easily available but do not worry if it isn't.

What is First Day Marketing of HIPs?

2008-01-28T17:20:00.000Z

First Day Marketing

The Government are keen to have a HIP ready on a property before it is marketed. This is referred to as "first day marketing".

Originally, the HIP regulations were written to ensure that a property could not be marketed without a HIP being ready for the buyer to see.

AHIPP argue that this is necessary to ensure that all the relevant information is in place for the buyer to make an effective decision.

However, when HIP packs became law a temporary exemption was made, until 1st January 2008, that a property could be marketed providing a HIP pack had been ordered. This was seen necessary to ensure delays did not occur in the home buying process.

When HIP packs became compulsory for all properties in December 2007, the temporary extension was further extended until 1st June 2008.

Splinta, which stands for the Sellers' Pack Law Is Not The Answer, has today launched a petition to ask the Government to make the temperorary exemption permanent.

Do Leasehold Properties Require A HIP?

2008-01-25T10:30:00.000Z

Leasehold Properties and HIPs (Home Information Packs)

Leasehold properties have required a HIP from 1 August 2007.

However, many leasehold properties are 1 or 2 bedroom properties, in particular flats and apartments, which legally required a HIP from 14th December 2007.

A copy of the lease document is a compulsory element of a leasehold HIP. Further leasehold documents should be included where possible but are currently voluntary. These additional documents are listed below and are scheduled to be made compulsory in June 2008.

A copy of the lease *compulsory
Name and address of Landlord & Managing Agents
Service Charge statements over last 36 months
Financial requests made by Landlord over last 12 months
Regulations or rules made under the lease
Proposed amendments to the lease
Summary of proposed building works

Legalalties and Fines for Properties Without A HIP (Home Information Pack)

2008-01-24T17:30:00.000Z

What are the legal consequences of non-compliance with HIP regulations?

Responsibility for enforcement of the Home Information Pack regulations lies with Trading Standards Officers.

In the first instance you are likely to receive a warning. £200 penalty notices can be issued.

If a penalty notice is received the Trading Standards are obliged to notify the Office of Fair Trading. A banner order for an estate agent is possible at this stage.

Confirmation of the possibility of receiving a banning order has been confirmed by the OFT.

Do private house sales require a Home Information Pack (HIP)?

2008-01-23T15:39:00.000Z

Do private house sales require a HIP?

Yes. Provided the property has been marketed.

Any form of marketing including a local advertisement or a 'for sale' sign means that even private property house sales require a HIP.

The only exception is when the sale takes place between individuals without any form of marketing such as between family members.

HIPs deliver improvements in property search timescales

2008-01-18T14:00:00.000Z

HIPs deliver improvements in property search timescales

The Government has introduced new steps to ensure that local authorities and private search companies better work together.

Local authorities will be obliged to speed up access to their records within one working day and, in return, they will be able to request a fair charge for the improvement in access.

Historically, local authorities and personal search providers have been in competition with each other. This has led to variations in the time it can take for a personal search to be completed.

Local property searches are a compulsory component of the Home Information Packs (HIPs) but the turnaround of HIPs have been affected by the availability to data offered by local councils.

Additionally, local councils are increasingly reducing their prices for their own searches as a direct response to the competition from private providers as a result of HIPs.

The steps announced by the Government come in response to an OFT recommendation to improve competition between the public and private sector in the delivery of property searches to consumers.

Junior Housing Minister Iain Wright said:
"Homebuying and selling can be a stressful experience and we are committed to improving the system for people.
"By levelling the playing field for providers consumers will be able to get important property information earlier in the home buying process and see the costs coming down as a result."

Home Information Packs (HIPs) are already beginning to bring benefits to consumers with average property search costs starting to fall because of the new competition created by HIPs - 85 local authorities have already reduced their charges by £30 on average. Today's announcement will go further to ensure consumers get a better deal.

When is a HIP required?

2007-12-14T15:19:00.000Z

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

2007-12-14T14:00:00.000Z

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."

Home Information Packs move forward to the next stage

2007-08-17T14:00:00.000+01:00

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."

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

2007-06-11T22:00:00.000+01:00

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.