Home
Properties for Sale
Properties to Let
New Homes for Sale
Register for Sales
Register for Lettings
Our Services
Careers
|
|
| | Lauristons Quick Guide to Home Information Packs
|
1. Who needs one?
From the 14th December 2007 all home owners will need to order a Home Information Pack or HIP before marketing can begin on their property. This Government legislation is meant to reduce the amount of wasted time and stress involved in a property purchase and reduce fall through rates. The current legislation is relaxed till the 1st June 2008 to allow marketing to commence once the HIP is ordered. This legislation will be extended to all properties in due course the process started with 4 bedroom properties on 1st August 2007.
However if you own a property affected by recent legislation and you previously marketed your home for sale prior to this date, you have until 1st June 2008 before you will need to order a HIP for your property, if it remains unsold.
There are exceptions for when packs are not required as follows:
Property deemed unsafe and not fit for human occupation.
Property due to be demolished.
Sold without vacant Possession.
Non residential property.
Property used as holiday or seasonal accommodation.
Mixed use for example a shop and flat being sold as one lot.
Dual use (residential and non residential) for example a guest house.
Part of a portfolio.
2. Where do I get one?
Lauristons can organize a HIP for our clients. We will be providing several options as we know our customers are grown ups and may decide to organize and control their own HIP or may like to have an all inclusive fee including a HIP from us. Please contact your local branch for a free market appraisal where we will discuss your HIP options in full.
3. What is a HIP ?
All HIPs contain the following:
Index of contents
Sale Statement (what is being sold)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Standard Searches
Evidence of title from the Land Registry
If the property in question is leasehold the following must also be provided in the HIP:
A complete copy of the lease.
Any regulations subsequently affecting the property set out by the managing agent or Freeholder.
Memorandum of Articles of Association.
Building insurance policy.
Statements for Service charge and Ground rent accounts for the previous 36 months.
Requests for payment for service charges ground rent or insurance for the previous 12 months.
Summary of any work being undertaken.
Name and address of Landlord or Managing Agent.
If the property in question is copyhold the following must also be provided in the HIP
Individual register and title plan for the common parts.
Commonhold community statement.
Requests for payment in previous 12 months for commonhold assessment, reserve fund levy or insurance.
Management regulations not included in the commonhold statement and any amendments.
Summary of any work being undertaken.
Name and Address of Managing Agent.
The most recent publication from the government confirms that for a short introductory period a copy of the lease will be acceptable.
4. Optional extras which may be found in a HIP.
The HIP provider may supply additional information in addition to the standard HIP. This is particularly the case when they are instructed to do the conveyancing for the client in addition to the HIP.
Property information forms which could include information such as the fixtures and fittings list.
Guarantees for work relating to the property.
Planning permission documents relating to the property.
Building regulations relating to the property.
FENSA Certificates for window replacement.
Home Condition Report.
5. Energy Performance Certificates.
In light of climate change the Government are promoting the EPC as a way of consumers checking the energy efficiency of their potential homes and hope it will encourage the public to be more responsible.
When a HIP is ordered an appointment is made for an inspector to visit the property where an assessment will be made. This assessment is added to our property details and website. Properties are graded A to G and the assessment features an energy graph which demonstrates what grading the property could achieve with some improvements. Grade A is the most energy efficient.
6. For more information.
Lauristons will put the packs together free to clients who instruct us to sell their home (subject to terms and conditions). This ensures this legislation does not affect your ability to market your property immediately and provides one point of contact and a hassle free HIP.
Lauristons remain dedicated to providing property services and excellent customer care to all customers old and new. To find out more and for some free advice re HIPs please contact your local Lauristons office for an obligation-free marketing appraisal.
7. Request a Valuation.
|
|
