Announcements
The government has announced changes to HIP requirements for property sales from 6th April 2009.
From this date the basic HIP must be available before the seller can begin marketing their property. It will no longer be possible to market your home without a basic Home Information Pack which will include the following as a minimum.
■■ An Index listing the contents of the HIP and noting any required documents thatare missing
■■ A Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
■■ An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) for new homes marketed before completion
■■ For new homes only, a Sustainable Certificate, Interim Sustainability Certificate or nil-rated certificate as required under the Code for Sustainable Homes
■■ A Sale Statement summarising the terms of sale
■■ Evidence of title.
Local searches can still be included in the HIP up to 28 days after the first day of marketing.
The new Property Information Form should be completed by the seller and will provide simple, useful information about a property that can help inform a prospective buyer’s decisions about whether to view, or make an offer.
It is still a requirement for all new tenants to be provided with a current EPC.