Home Information Packs (HIP’s)

A HIP is a set of documents that provides the buyer with key information on the property and must be provided by the seller or by us on your behalf. It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and we can't market a property without one.

The HIP lets buyers see important information about the property at the start of the process, free of charge. This means there is less chance of buyers becoming aware of any surprises at the end of the process. The HIP can help reduce delays and extra expense to the buyer and seller.

• Sample Home Information Pack
  

The HIP is made up of required (compulsory) and authorised (optional) items.

Compulsory documents

The following documents must be included in your HIP:

Freehold properties

• Home Information Pack Index
• the new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ), from 6 April 2009
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA)
• sustainability information (required for newly built homes)
• sale statement
• evidence of title
• standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)

Leasehold properties

• all the compulsory documents above
• a copy of the lease

For more detail on these documents follow the links below.

• HIPs: compulsory items
• HIPs: leasehold and commonhold properties

Optional documents

Other documents can be included within your HIP, but these are optional. If they are included, it could help to speed up the sale and ensure that the process goes more smoothly. These include:

• Home Condition Report
• legal summary
• home use/contents form
• other documents like specialist searches (for example, the seller may choose to include a mining search in a mining area)

For more information follow the link below.

• HIPs: optional items

From 6 April 2009, the 'responsible person' (in most cases, the estate agent) will not be allowed to market your property unless the HIP is available. You'll need to make arrangements to have a HIP compiled (including paying for it) along with other preparations for selling your home. However, if there's a delay in getting certain documents, like the local searches, these can be added after your house is put on the market.

Who compiles the HIP?

We can compile your HIP or a HIP provider can do it for you. Always make sure that your HIP provider is signed up to a code of practice, like the HIP Code.

• The HIP Code and the Search Code

We can arrange for a HIP to be carried out at your property

Please call 0208 696 7474 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it