Home Information Packs: Why do we need them?
| Published: 29th September 2008 12:42 |
Since the 14th September 2007 it has been compulsory for certain residential properties to have a Home Information Pack (HIP) when being sold. Since this date the HIP is now compulsory for all residential properties aswell as both Commercial and Rented properties.
So, if you own a property and you want to sell, you'll need to know about HIPs. Yet, according to Allan Seager of Irwin Fisher Estate Agents, very few people do know much about them.
Irwin Fisher, "Selected as the best independent estate
agent for Barking by the Home Sale Network"
Allan explained that before an agent can legally market your home, it must have a valid Home Information Pack (HIP) either completed or commissioned. Those who do not comply could face a fine or other action taken against them from The Office of Fair Trading. HIPs from Irwin Fisher cost between £260 - £300 depending on the Tenure of the property. Estate agents HIPs are some of the cheapest as they are able to get large discounts from the HIP providers, and if you're using an estate agent to sell, it makes sense for them to organize the HIP for you while they are arranging the sale of your home.
There are two parts to a HIP. One part covers all the Local, Drainage & Water Enquires, Land Registry Title Plans & Register and the other part is an Energy Performance Certificate. The HIP provider will arrange for an inspector to view your property to assess the cost and environmental impact your home produces. Their report looks at such things as insulation, lighting, heating service utilities, etc.
As a family run business in Barking since 1984, we find our customers coming back to us as their families' grow and their needs change. These customers are pleased to recommend us to their friends and families.
The completed pack is normally held by the estate agent and a copy sent to the client. The HIP is available for any potential purchaser to see but not to keep. If an applicant does decide to go ahead and purchase a property, then their solicitors will receive a copy of the HIP when the sale starts. However, once the house is sold, a new HIP will be required even if the house is placed on the market straight away.
Allan Seager is the acting Manager for Irwin Fisher, a family run independent estate agents in Barking. They are the longest established independent estate agents in the area, having started in 1984. They are also recognized by Home Sale Network, a division of Cartus, the premier provider of global relocation services, as the best independent local estate agent in the Barking area. An award and membership they have held continuously since September 1994.
Irwin Fisher Estate Agents are located at:
42 Longbridge Road, Barking, IG11 8RT
Tel: 020 8594 5198
mobile: 07778 285 708
Email: ifisher@ndirect.co.uk
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