The background

Since 2007, sellers have been required to provide Home Information Packs (HIPs) when selling their residential properties. The contents of HIPs included property information, searches and energy performance certificates (EPCs).

HIPs are history….
The coalition government has suspended Home Information Packs (HIPs) with effect from 21 May 2010. However, energy performance certificates (EPCs) will still be required.

What is an EPC?
This is a certificate which will rate on a scale of A-G:

• How energy-efficient the property is, and
• The impact the property has on the environment.

The most efficient property that has the lowest running costs will come into band A. Recommendations are included in the certificate about ways to improve energy-efficiency, to save costs and environmental impact. Your estate agent is obliged to include these two ratings in the property’s sales particulars.

The Law Society has welcomed the new coalition government’s decision to suspend home information packs (HIPs). This provides an opportunity for the home buying process to be reformed to meet the real needs of the housing market.

Read more about HIPs here

The news today that HIPs are no longer will present a huge number of questions, not least for those currently buying/selling. This site gives some comprehensive answers.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/buyingselling/homeinformation/homeinfopackquestions/

More to follow.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10130254.stm
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/construction_and_property/article7131575.ece

More news and comment to follow…