A Home Information Pack is a collection of information about a property which is provided by the home seller or the seller’s agent. The pack is intended to improve the home buying and selling process in England & Wales, a process which is currently very slow and subject to a 33% failure rate.

Under the current system, key information is not known by buyers and sellers until a sale is agreed. This often results in costly issues arising later than necessary in the sale process. The government intends that by using a HIP, information will be provided up front enabling buyers to make an informed decision early on and avoid delays, uncertainties and unnecessary expense. The aim is that this new system will be simple and more efficient.

HIPs are not required when selling the following properties:

• non-residential property;
• mixed commercial and residential property;
• sales of tenanted properties;
• properties with leases of less than 21 years.

The pack must contain:

• Index
• Energy Performance Certificate
• A property information form
• Sale Statement
• Evidence of Title
• Local Authority search
• Drainage and Water search

Additionally, leasehold properties will need to provide:

• A copy of the lease
• Recent service charge accounts and receipts
• Current and planned future works
• Regulations made by the landlord or management company

* HIPs for new build properties will require an energy assessment even if the property is not yet built.