The first action which must be taken after deciding to sell a house is to arrange for a Home Information Pack to be produced.  Home Information Packs are known by various names, including HIPs, Sellers Packs, Property Packs and Buyers Packs.

Home Information Packs (HIPs) have been introduced because the Government is concerned about the number of failed home purchasing transactions and the average time it takes to complete a house sale. By providing the information contained within the HIP at the start of the house selling process, buyers will be able to make better informed decisions, leading to less failed transactions and quicker completion times (see the FAQ section for more information).

The government has set up a dedicated website to provide information on the HIP - Home Information Pack. Also see the Wikipedia entry.

So, what is a HIP?

• a set of documents which gives a potential buyer key information about the property for sale.
• a HIP is provided by the seller or the ‘responsible person’ marketing the property.
• Currently the legislation requires that a HIP must be ordered prior to putting your house on the market. From 1st June 2008, it will be illegal to put a home on the market without first having taken receipt of a HIP. There are exceptions which apply to a small number of residential house sales.

Click here for an example of a HIP.

The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack;

• Index A list of the contents.
• Sale statement
  Contains the address of the property being sold, the name of the seller and some other fundamental information. Someone, other than the Seller can complete the Sale Statement but, as others may rely on the contents of this form it is important that the Seller checks the information when they get their Pack.
• Evidence of title  Proves that the Seller owns the property
• Standard searches  Local Authority Search and ‘Drainage & Water’ enquiries. See FAQ for further information.
• Energy Performance Certificate
  Requires an inspection by a Home Inspector or Domestic Energy Assessor. See separate section about the EPC. Due to their additional knowledge and experience Full HIP uses Home Inspectors to carry out EPC inspections. Full HIP believes that this will ensure the most accurate EPC.
• Additional Information For leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate

The following are also authorised for optional inclusion in the pack;

• Home Condition Report
  Produced by a professionally qualified, accredited, Home Inspector. See separate section about the HCR.
• Legal summary
• Home Use Form
  This relates to the property. Full HIP recommends that this is included and is included Free Of Charge in all HIPs produced by Full HIP. See Home Use Form template.
• Contents Forms
  This details what the seller will take with them and what they will leave behind. Full HIP recommends that this is included and is included Free Of Charge in all HIPs produced by Full HIP. See Contents Form template.
• Other Searches
  Mining and other searches such as flooding and Radon where it is relevant to the area in which the the property is situated. Full HIP will advise when these are required.

Request a HIP quote here