Home Information Pack

The way we buy and sell our homes has changed forever, through the introduction of the home information pack.

The home information pack (HIP), has become mandatory, and you cannot even offer your 3 and above, bedroomed house for sale without one.

The information pack for selling houses is a fundamental part of the house selling process. You can look at it as a property report into the state of your building, but the HIP is a much more, in depth document. Home inspectors are heavily regulated and you can be assured that when selling your house, you will be in good hands.

The home information pack contents:

These may differ slightly from the finished product, but all these elements should be included.

• The cost of the sale and terms of deposit 
• Proof of title ownership
• Proof of ground rent payments
• Copies and replies of standard searches
• Building control, NHBC certificates, if applicable
• Agreements and directions
• Guarantees by contractors, and sub-contractors, for work done 
• All replies to any preliminary enquiries conducted by buyers
• A home condition report based around a home inspectors survey of the property
• Planning consent and approval
• Drainage and flood risk assessments
• All replies from land searches
• Contaminated land and underground gasses
• Electrical interference studies
• Ground stability and subsidence in the area
• An energy efficiency assessment report
• New homes will not require a home condition report, if marketed off plan
• Complete new homes must carry a full home information pack

HIP for leasehold properties:

• A copy of the lease agreement
• Most recent service charge accounts and receipts
• Building insurance policy and proof of payment
• Regulations made by the landlord or management company
• Memorandum and articles of the landlord or management company
• Copies of preferred landlord certification by local authority, if applicable
• Notices under section 20/20ZA of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 

Can you trust the home information pack?

Yes, you can, this is a very serious, regulated document.

Only licensed home inspectors can produce the home inspection report, they will have received full training and must qualify through a series of examinations.

The government has worked very hard to ensure that all inspectors are honest and qualified, procedures will be in place to check reports and legal proceedings may be taken against those that flout the guidelines, in addition to being struck off the register.

Spot checks can be carried out to make home inspectors comply with the regulations.