KeyHIPS :: Background

Background - The Home Information Pack

What is a HIP:

A Home Information Pack (HIP), also known as the 'seller's pack', is a compilation of documents that you need when you're going to sell your house. A HIP is mainly made up of an Energy Performance Certificate, Local Authority and Drainage and Water searches, Title Documents, Sale Statement and the Property Information Questionnaire. By being able to provide these documents upfront to potential buyers, it is hoped that fewer transactions will fall through as there will be no hidden information.

Government HIP Legislation

Home Information Packs were introduced by the Government in 2007 as part of a new legislation to speed up the process of property sales and to provide more information upfront to potential buyers.

On the 1st August 2007, Home Information Packs (HIPs) were introduced for properties with 4 bedrooms and above.

On the 10th September 2007, the scheme was extended to all properties with 3 bedrooms and above.

Since the 14th December 2007, all residential properties are now subject to requiring a Home Information Pack when a property is being marketed.

On 6th April, HIP legislation changed again to include new requirements:

Part of the HIP (SkinnyHIP) must now be complete before a property can legally be marketed. (Index, Sale Statement, Land Registry documentation, Energy Performance Certificate "EPC" and the Property Information Questionnaire "PIQ")

It is a legal requirement to have these documents in place before a property can be placed on the market. This is enforced by Trading Standards with penalty fines.

What is in a HIP?

The Home Information Pack (HIP) can contain a variety of documents listed below:

Compulsory:

Index
Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Land Registry Documentation (Evidence of Ownership – Title Register + Title Plan)
Sale Statement
Residential Personal or Official Local Authority Search (CON29R Answered in full)
Residential Drainage & Water Search
Relevant Leasehold/ Share of Freehold/ Commonhold documentation (if applicable)
New Home Warranty (if applicable)
Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) (if applicable)

Approved Documents that may be included (suggestions):

Environmental search
Mining search
Flooding search
Schools in the area, Telecommunication Services, etc.
Home Use Form
Home Content Form
Information to identify the property, i.e. Plans, Maps or Drawings or Photograph.
Warranties, policies or guarantees relating to construction, equipment etc. in the property
Home Condition Reports
Translation into any language, or formats such as Braille or large print

No marketing information may be included in the pack

Additional Services

Paper copy of HIP. Once completed, multiple copies of your HIP can be ordered. The 65 – 200 page document will carry an extra charge.
Deferred payment. This is an option whereby a vendor can pay for a HIP at a later date. It is, however, a more expensive option in the long run.

Why keyHIPS?

KeyHIPS is officially the UK’s First choice for Home Information Packs.
KeyHIPS is a business to business HIP provider.
1st Day Marketing achieved within 3 days.
All methods of completing Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) accepted including bespoke online facility.
Competitive Prices with the highest level of service.
Great quality 2D floor plans available nationwide.
HIP software created by established IT property professionals.
Powerful Industry leading technology.
Interactive online tracking system.
‘Intelligent’ website – quick and easy to use.

Assured quality compliance.
FREE White label HIPs on request – Our HIP, your Logo.
Accounts Option for payments.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
No Lock-in commitment.
Deferred Payment for your clients.
HIPs across all of England and Wales.
Professional Customer Service.
In-house specialist Land Registry Department.
Post-order Floor Plan amendment service at no extra cost.
KeyHIPS promotes a high level of service and commitment from its Energy Assessors.
Secure Online Payment.

Our Promise

We at KeyHIPS go above and beyond what is required by the governing bodies to provide a compliant HIP. Furthermore, we carry Professional Indemnity Insurance with 6 years runoff Cover to ensure you are fully covered.

Great Customer Service!

We at KeyHIPS believe in great customer service. If you ever have constructive feedback for us, please do let us know so that we can try to improve on our service to you!