HIPS

As of 10 September 2007, if you are selling a home with four or more bedrooms, you need a Home Information Pack to show to potential buyers. The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate, containing advice on how to cut carbon emmissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title. This is the first stage of Home Information Packs, which will soon be extended to smaller homes.

The person responsible for marketing a property must have commissioned a Home Information Pack by the time that the property is on the market. As soon as you have received the Energy Performance Certificate (a compulsory part of the Pack), you must provide potential buyers with a copy of the Pack, or any document from it on request and within the 'permitted period'.

The 'permitted period' is either 14 days following the request for copies, or, if later, the day on which a payment for copies is received.

Note: The ability to market without a Pack will only last until 31 December 2007.

Almy & Thomas are able to commission all the documents required and produce a Home Information Pack.