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Home Packs and UK HIP Provider Information

Home Pack Guide & free HIP Provider Information, find out about how the information pack will change home buying and selling

Home Information Pack - Can I sell my home without a HIP?

No. UK Government policy states that a seller cannot place a home on the market for sale until such time as a HIP is in place. The home seller can market the property if only the sellers statement is available at the time, other documents and searches can be added later. 

Home sellers may face a fine if they put up their home for sale with no HIP in place. See also exemptions from HIP.


Home Information Packs HIP’s Evidence and Warranties

The home information pack also requires the home seller to produce documentation supporting any changes to the property, for example a home extension, new garage or conservatory. Evidence of planning permission consent for some types of extension may be required, such as builder’s warranties for home extensions & NHBC for new build properties.

In addition evidence of title for the property is required. For a full explanation of documents that are required to be produced in a HIP – see home information pack info.

Home Information Packs HIPS & Estate Agents

Some estate agents can offer a complete HIP service for home sellers by compiling the home pack for the seller, however, some may not be able to provide a complete pack for two reasons.

1. Home Condition Report (HCR) – This optional part of a HIP must contain a detailed report of the property’s condition with regard to exterior/interior construction of a building which will list any defects noted with respect of the property and the services connected to it. This type of home survey must be carried out by a qualified chartered surveyor for this purpose. A home inspector (or HI) can also supply this report but must be trained and have received DipHi accreditation.

2. Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) – These certificates can only be issued by a qualified inspector (DipDEA) who has undergone training by an approved ABBE or other certified DEA assessment centre, which has been approved by a government accredited body for the issue of energy related Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) ratings for existing homes. A Home Inspector or HI can also issue EPC’s.

Home Information Pack - Can I create my own HIP – DIY HIPS?

Yes. All of the Home Information Pack documentation can be obtained by do-it-yourself methods. The standard legal documentation and searches that you will require are outlined in home information pack info.
An EPC is a requirement for the pack, Home Inspection Professionals will be happy to provide a quote to survey your home and provide the energy certificate. We cover the whole of Nottinghamshire and operate 7 days a week, so we can agree on a date and time of your choice. We also offer free advice and tips to help you save money, and make fuel bills cheaper.


Energy Performance Certificates

Every home that is marketed for sale must have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) which details a home’s energy performance. This will be included in the Home Pack as part of the documentation.

In order to issue a certificate it is necessary to commission an assessor or inspector to conduct a survey of the property either by a qualified DEA (Domestic Energy Assessor) or a Home Inspector (HI).



An EPC provides a rating for your home in its present condition and also a rating for its potential if certain energy saving improvements are undertaken. The overall assessment is based on a sliding scale of A to F, where A is the highest level (i.e. most energy efficient) and G (less energy efficient). To simplify the rating scales a similar method to that used for home appliances (e.g. fridges, freezers etc) was adopted.

Typical ratings are shown below for energy and environmental assessment.

EPC

Any property falling into Band C, D or E, is considered an average rating.

There are many factors to consider when calculating the ratings for an EPC for every home, as each house is different.
The basic criteria for assessment include:

Building Construction
Age of construction
Number of windows and type
Volumetric calculation of the building
Method of heating and controls used
Levels of insulation (lofts and walls)
Thermal properties of adjacent buildings
Heat losses (Perimeter Walls, Windows, Roof & Floors)
Fixed lighting efficiency
Renewable energy sources

The factors detailed above are noted, and, using computer software an overall energy performance rating can be obtained, together with recommendations for improvement where required. Improve your energy rating before an inspector calls, by following the tips and advice in our Energy Saving guide.

Once completed, the EPC can be delivered to the homeowner, and/or, their representative, for inclusion in the home information pack (HIP) either via email or a hard copy paper version. Some inspectors may charge an extra fee for delivering paper copies..

How long is an EPC valid for?

The certificate is valid for as long as the new homeowner remains in the property before moving again, or in the case of the same property coming back on the market again in the future, then another energy assessment would be required, for lettings - 10 years from the date of the original certificate’s inception date for rental property.

Home Information Packs - Landlords and Tenants

Currently a landlord who rents a property to a tenant can voluntarily carry out an energy assessment for the production of an EPC on the property that they own.

From October 2008 it will be mandatory for an energy assessor to conduct a survey of the rented property for the production of an EPC. This must be carried out whenever there is a change of tenancy, so that the new occupiers can obtain energy assessment details before applying for the tenancy. The landlord/owner of the property would bear the cost of the EPC. Estimates suggest that there are approx. 2.5 million homes in the rental sector which would be affected by this legislation. Also see Commercial Guide

Some types of property are exempt from HIPs and EPC’s see exemptions.
For landlords who own property that is rented to tenants, an EPC is required from October 2008 for more information refer to Landlords EPC

Find out more about Property Searches CON29 LLC1 Personal Search Environmental Report Water and Drainage. For the latest information regarding HIPs  refer to HIPs News.

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What is a SAP Rating?
Find out more about the ratings system applied to residential property

How can I improve my rating?
Consider improvements to your property - Find out more

Carbon Footprint
Facts about your home's environmental impact

Snagging
New build property inspections checklist

HCR
Home Condition Report - Property Sellers Information

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