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From August 1st 2007, homes going on the market with four or more bedrooms have needed a Home Information Pack (HIP). From 10th September, homes with three or more bedrooms will also need a HIP.
The government's aim is to take the stress out of buying and selling a home by providing upfront key information like searches and proof of ownership. As part of the drive to reduce carbon emissions, the HIP will also include an Energy Performance Certificates which, like fridges will provide A - G ratings on the energy efficiency of a home.
Clients ordering HIPs have the option to pay on order or to defer payment until completion or pay in four monthly instalments starting six months after the order (whichever is earlier). Clients opting for a deferred payment arrangement will incur an additional charge of £40.
| Conveyancing Client | Non Client | HIP | 363 | 363 | Arrangement fee | Nil | 40 | Total inc VAT | 363 | 403 |
Sellers who commit to our conveyancing service will benefit from a discount. There will be a small additional fee of £20 for leasehold properties.
To get started with your HIP, all we need at first is your name, address and telephone number. To fully complete the HIP, we will need some extra information, but we have produced a checklist to save time.
Although we have concerns about the usefulness of the HIP and its value to a buyer, everyone in the conveyancing team at Burnetts Solicitors is well prepared for their introduction. To us, the HIP will be a part of the conveyancing process and the provision of HIPs will be a necessary part of our service. Our legal expertise is an essentail foundation for HIPs provision especially in cases of leasehold properties like flats or unregistered land of which there is still a great deal in Cumbria.
At present, the mandatory contents of the Home Information Pack will include:
* An Energy Performance Certificate
* An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack)
* A sale statement (summarising terms of sale)
* Evidence of title
* Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
* Where appropriate, commonhold information (including a copy of the commonhold community statement)
* Where appropriate, leasehold information (including a copy of the lease, information on service charges and insurance)
* Where appropriate, a New Homes Warranty
* Where appropriate, a report on a home that is not physically complete
For further information on HIPs, visit Burnetts' news page, the Government's official HIPS site or contact our HIPsline on 01228 552243.
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Tel : 01228 552222 
