HIPs Explained

It is now a requirement that all properties that are marketed for sale need to have a Home Information Pack (HIP) in place before marketing begins

The HIP contains the following documents:

• Index
• Property Information Questionaire (PIQ)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Sustainability information for newly built homes (New builds only)
• Sale statement
• Evidence of title
• Standard searches
• Copy of the lease (required for leasehold properties only)

(Other authorised documents can be added to the HIP, for example warranties and guarantees for works done or service reports for heating systems).

However, due to the time involved in obtaining some of the main documents the Government have stated it is only the following documents that are required to be actually available for marketing to begin - this is sometimes referred to as a ‘mini HIP’

• Index
• Property Information Questionaire (PIQ)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Sustainability information for newly built homes (New builds only)
• Sale Statement
• Evidence of title

There needs to be evidence that the remaining documents have been ordered and they should be available within 28 days, or an explanation given as to why they are not present.

Rapid HIP Service

So in order to be able to place your property on the market as quickly as possible it is essential that you are confident that your HIP provider can guarantee a fast and efficient service and produce a HIP or mini HIP that is both legally compliant and easily available to you or your estate agent in the shortest possible time.

As a local HIP provider Hill View Property Assessments are ideally placed to be able to obtain the initial documents quickly. Most of the initial documents can be provided within a few hours of your order if needed. Our in-house Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) is based in Malvern and can normally complete the EPC within 48 hours of you ordering the HIP. The PIQ, a simple tick box form, can be filled in by you online via a secure link.

Not many national or agency based HIP providers, using sub-contracted services and DEAs, can boast a service as fast and friendly as ours!

All Round Best Value

As we only cover a specific local area - mainly Herefordshire and Worcestershire - and are an independent HIP provider, we can keep our costs low and offer you an excellent value HIP. Also, by buying direct you eliminate the additional cost of obtaining your HIP via a national provider - so please get in touch