Home Information Pack Guide

To help you understand the contents of a Home Information Pack have a look at the information below. You may also to choose to look at our frequently asked questions about HIPS or the Government's official Home Information Pack Guide on the Direct Gov website (link opens in a new window).

A Home Information Pack (HIP) is made up of a set of documents that are required (compulsory) and authorised (optional). The HIP must include an index, a sale statement, evidence of title, an Energy Performance Certificate and standard searches. From April 6th 2009, it alse needs a Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ).

The compulsory documents are as follows:-

• The Home Information Pack Index
• Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment
• Sustainability information for newly built homes
• Sale statement
• Evidence of title
• Standard Searches

The following documents are optional:-

• Home Condition Report
• Legal summary
• Home use/contents form
• Other Documents

  

Compulsory Documents

Home Information Pack Index
The Home Information Pack index lists all of the documents contained within an individual HIP, providing a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities. Where a mandatory document is unavailable this should be noted within the index along with reasons for its absence and details of the steps taken to obtain it.

Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
A compulsory document as of April 6th 2009, the Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) needs to be completed by sellers. The PIQ aims to provide a checklist of simple information about the property for sale, which the buyer needs to know before making an offer or purchase.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Predicted Energy Assessment

The EPCs tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes, which should have the lowest fuel bills, are in band A.

The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Visit our FAQs for more information on Energy Performance Certificates.

New homes sold 'off plan' will need to include a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA). The PEA should be replaced by an EPC when construction of the property is complete.

Sustainability information for newly built homes
This document applies to homes where a local council has received a building notice, initial notice or full plans application after 1 May 2008. This requirement is based on the Code for Sustainable Homes which measures the environmental impact of a new home against nine categories. Newly built homes must have either:

• a certificate (or interim certificate) showing the sustainability of the home assessed against the standards under te Code for Sustainable Homes.

• a nil-rated certificate where the property has not been assessed against the Code.

Sale Statement

This contains the main details of the sale. It will include the name of the vendor, the address, tenure and registration status of the property as well as whether or not it is being sold with vacant possession.

Evidence of title

The evidence of title is simply an up to date record of the ownership of the property. It is made up of official copies of the individual register and an official copy of the title plan

Standard Searches

A search certificate must be provided to show the boundaries of the property as well as any details for future developments such as road building which may have an effect on the property. This can be provided by the local authority. Searches are also carried out to ensure a property has proper provision for drainage and water services.

Optional Documents

Home Condition Report (Optional)

This will contain information about the condition of the property, so as a seller any repair work that's needed will be able to be carried before you put your home up for sale. This could reduce the risk of a buyer pulling out of a sale due to unforeseen problems with the property.

Legal Summary (Optional)

An easy to understand summary of the legal content this can be provided by a solicitor or a HIP provider. Buyers will still need to take out their own legal advice.

Home use / contents form (Optional)

As a seller you'll be able to use these forms to let your buyer know of any matters relating to the property. From planning permissions to which fixtures and fittings are included in the sale, standard forms are available for this. You can download sample forms directly from the Direct Gov website (link opens in a new window) in the home use/contents forms section.

Other Documents (Optional)

Include a non-standard search if you can, as this will speed up the sale. For example, if you live in a coal mining area - make sure this is included. Including guarantees and warranties for work that has recently been done will also be beneficial.

If you still require any further information please visit our frequently asked questions page or the Direct Gov website (link opens in a new window) for information on the regulations surrounding Home Information Packs.