Paul Cooper & Company Solicitors

Home Information Packs

As you may have heard, the Government has phased in the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) from the 1st August 2007.

No property is now allowed to be marketed for sale without a HIP being provided by the seller. Those who do not comply with the HIP Regulations face the possibility of a financial penalty.

The idea of a HIP is that a seller provides more information to a potential buyer before their offer is made, which will hopefully lead to less nasty surprises further into the process, and a lower percentage of property transactions falling through.

The HIP contains :-

• A Local Authority search, containing planning entries, road maintenance information etc.
• A Water Authority search, containing details of the drainage and sewerage arrangements.
• A copy of your Title Deeds, showing any rights the property benefits from or is subject to, and any restrictive covenants or conditions which will bind a future owner.
• An Energy Performance Certificate, telling you how energy efficient the property is, and the impact it has on the environment.
• A Property Information Questionnaire, completed by the seller and containing details of any guarantees, building works carried out, boundary maintenance etc.

Paul Cooper & Co can arrange your Home Information Pack from £299.00 (inc. VAT)*

Undoubtedly, most prospective sellers will only really discover the new regulations when they contact an Estate Agent to discuss selling the property. The Estate Agent will then advise them of the need for a HIP, and may well direct the seller towards their own favoured provider.

You should know that your Solicitors are also HIP providers. We have existing contacts within the profession, we can instruct the relevant searches and other such matters instantly via the internet, and can collate all the required information into a smartly presented pack.

The cost for a standard HIP, for a freehold property in Leicester, starts at £299.00 (inclusive of VAT) when we are also instructed to act in the sale transaction. If the property is located elsewhere, or is Leasehold, or currently unregistered with H M Land Registry, then the cost may vary, and we can advise you of the cost on receipt of the full property details. If you would like us to help you with the preparation of a HIP for your property then please do not hesitate to contact us.