Introducing HIPS (Home Information Packs)

A new law coming into effect in 2007 means that when a house is put up for sale, all property owners selling must provide a document that enable buyers to have an up-to-date status of that home. This is called a Home Information Pack (HIP)

A HIP is a little like a combination of a motorcar's Log Book, Maintenance History and MOT certificate. To produce a HIP requires the expertise of a surveyor to look at the property's condition and value. Also a solicitor for the legal ownership and that planning regulations have been followed.

The intention is provide prospective buyers with more information before they make an offer. Hopefully to also reduce surprises and delays later in the purchase that could have been avoided if the information was available at the beginning.

In effect the property viewing process will have 2 steps:

1. View the property
2. View the Home Information Pack (HIP)

Our role as an Independent Estate Agent does not change. We will still offer free Market Appraisals (click here) that help set the price at the right level that we believe the property should sell. In addition we will offer a HIPS service via trusted independent companies.