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Changes to HIPs

From April 6th, if you're involved in selling a home there are changes you need to know about.

From this date, important changes are being made to Home Information Packs. Estate agents and other property professionals will need to understand them to be able to advise sellers and potential buyers. The current first day market exemption will come to an end, meaning that the basic HIP must be available before the seller can begin marketing their property. Local searches can still be included in the HIP up to 28 days after the first day of marketing.The new Property Information Questionnaire will be a compulsory document for inclusion in the HIP. The PIQ is designed to be completed by a seller, providing simple, useful information about a property. This can help to inform prospective buyers' decisions about whether to view, or make an offer on a particular property.In addition, the use of insurance in personal searches to cover missing data will end. Every property search in a HIP must now contain all the required search information.These changes are being introduced to Home Information Packs so that better information is available at the beginning of the home buying and selling process, and before buyers incur costs. Informed choice by buyers at the start can help reduce delays later on and wasted time for sellers.

EPC's for Landlords

Regulations require that from 1 October 2008 any residential property being let will require the landlord to provide an Energy Performance Certificate to prospective tenants.

Rental properties are covered by the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations which was laid before Parliament at the end of March 2007. Unlike the Home Information Pack, the process for landlords is much simpler.

Once obtained the certificate will be valid for 10 years, but can be renewed earlier if the landlord wishes to reflect any energy efficient improvements made.

All lettings within the 10 year valid period will be able to make use of the same Energy Performance Certificate, but the law states a landlord must show it to any prospective tenant.

EPC's for all Residential Properties

It’s official, from 14th December the final phase of the Home Information Pack (HIP) is being implemented.

 Housing Minister Yvette Cooper and the CLG Department for Communities and Local Government) has this morning (22nd November 2007) issued an official press statement to confirm the timetable for commencement of the final phase of HIPs.

Commenting on the news, Chief executive of property-careers.com, Stephen Callaghan said: “We are delighted that the CLG has listened and has responded to our regular lobbying. The Minister’s press statement will come as welcome and timely news to all the Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) and Home Inspectors (HIs)who have made personal investment in their new careers. At last, all the negative speculation is over and our new industry can now move forward positively into 2008.”

EPC's for Three Bedroom Houses

From 10 September, all homes in England and Wales with 3 or more bedrooms will need a Home Information Pack (HIP), which includes a home energy rating. The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title.