Frequently Asked Questions - Home Information Packs

Do I need to get a Home Information Pack?

From 6 April 2009, an estate agent or private seller will not be allowed to market your property unless the HIP is available. You'll need to make arrangements to have a HIP compiled (including paying for it) along with other preparations for selling your home. However, if there's a delay in getting certain documents, like the local searches, these can be added after your house is put on the market. Visit the Direct Gov website (link opens in a new window) to find out more.

How do I purchase a HIP?
Visit our branch locator to find your local Cheshire Estate Agency office who will be able to advise you on HIPS as well as all other aspects of marketing your home. Alternatively use our online contact form to get in touch and we can organise for a member of the team to call you back.

What will the HIP contain? 
We've prepared an online HIPs guide to help you understand the documents that make up your HIP. If you need any more information that this please contact your local Cheshire Estate Agency branch.

What does the Energy Performance Certificate mean?

The average property in the UK currently has a D – E rating for both energy efficiency and CO2 emissions. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home’s energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment and therefore improve the property’s ratings.

Sellers of newly built homes will have to provide a predicted assessment of the energy efficiency of the property, but a full EPC should be provided to the buyer when the home is completed.

What does the Energy Performance Certificate look like?

The following example of an EPC is taken from the government HIPs site. The table on the left shows the current Energy Efficiency of your home while the one on the right shows the Environmental Impact Rating.

The 'potential' figure for each shows where your property could be by making some improvements.

How can I improve these ratings?

There are a number of things you can do to make your property more energy efficient. Some of the measures that the Energy Performance Certificate might recommend:

• Low-energy light bulbs. These are up to 12 times longer and use around 80% less energy than traditional filament bulbs.
• Hot water tank jackets. These cost from around £10, and can cut heat loss by around 75%.
• Loft insulation. Fitting insulation that is at least 250mm thick could cut heat loss by around 30%.
• Cavity wall insulation. If you have unfilled cavity walls, installing insulation could cut heat loss by over 30%.

How long does a HIP last?

The pack lasts until the property is sold and there is no obligation to update the pack as long as the property remains on the market. If the property is taken off the market for less than a year and then re-marketed within a year of it originally being marketed then the same pack may be used (although some documents can be no more than 3 months old when marketing starts).

 

How much will a HIP cost?

Please speak to one of our Estate Agency staff who will be happy to discuss the various options available. Visit our branch locator to find your local Cheshire Estate Agency office or use our contact form to get in touch.

Can I choose another HIP provider?

You have the right to choose any HIP provider although Cheshire Estate Agency has teamed up with Hip2Go to provide you with a quality service at a competitive price.

Can I compile my own HIP ? 

Yes. You can find more information on the steps you'll need to take by visiting the Direct Gov (link opens in a new window) website. This link will open in a new window.

What will happen if I don’t get a HIP? 

In most cases you simply won't be able to market your house legally.

Where can I get more information?

Cheshire Estate Agency staff should be able to answer most of your questions. Alternatively, you could visit the official Direct Gov (link opens in a new window) government website. Here you'll find information for buyers, sellers and property professionals. This link will open in a new window.