What is a HIP?

A Home Information Pack (HIP) is a pack containing information a seller must provide on selling a property. 

What are the required documents in a HIP?

The pack has to contain the following:

• Index of the Documents
• Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) - This is a document that the seller has to prepare giving information about the property. 
• An energy performance certificate (EPC) - This will show how energy efficient the house is and therefore how expensive or cheap the fuel bills will be.
• A sales statement summarising the terms of sale    This information will include:
  • The address of the property
  • Whether it is a freehold/leasehold or Commonhold Title
  • Whether it is registered or unregistered
  • Whether it is to be sold with Vacant Possession (in other words the seller is to leave the property and take all their belongings on the day of completion).
• Evidence of Title  - This proves the owners right to sell the property and will include:
  • Office Copy Documents  - Documents which provide details of the property owner.
  • Official Filed Plan - Document which gives the scope and boundaries of the property.
• Local Authority Search and Drainage & Water Search These are enquiries made to the Local Authority (Local Search) and local Water Company (Drainage Search). 
• If the property being sold is a Leasehold property, it will also contain the Lease.  (Almost all flats are Leasehold property). 

I am selling to a friend and have not marketed the property do I still need a HIP?

If you have not done any marketing at all you currently do not need a HIP although all properties now require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) so you will still need to obtain this. 

Will a new build property have a HIP?

Yes a new build property would have to have a HIP. 

Do I need a HIP if there is a tenant in the property?

If the property is being marketed with a "sitting tenant" a HIP currently would not be required.  If that tenant is not going to occupy the property once the new buyer has taken over ownership therefore giving "vacant possession" then a HIP would be required. 

What properties are exempt from a HIP?

Currently, the properties which do not require a HIP are the following:

Can the seller recover the cost of the HIP from the buyer?

No, the purchaser is not required to pay for the pack.  The only costs that can be charged are reasonable costs for copying and posting a copy of the pack.

Do I need a HIP before I put the property on the market?

Yes, you will need a HIP before you put the property on the market although it does not need to be completed.  You do not need the Local Authority Search, Drainage Search or Lease (if the property is Leasehold) to be in the HIP although these will have to be applied for and should be received within 28 days.

How long does a HIP last for?

The HIP lasts for an indefinite length of time but your buyer may find if the HIP is over a six months old that the Local and Drainage searches are invalid.  Your buyer may be able to obtain an indemnity policy which usually costs around £30.00 that extends the life of the searches or alternatively may have to get fresh searches, particularly if the HIP is over a year old. 

The seller is not required to provide fresh searches although on some occasions they will provide these in order to ensure the sale goes through. 

What if I take the property off the market?

If you take the property off the market and put it back on again, you do not need to obtain a new HIP provided the property is relisted within 12 months of having first marketed the property. 

How long do you take to prepare the initial stage of the HIP so that the property can go on the market?

Provided that you give immediate access to the Energy Assessor and provided that you return the Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) straight away, then we aim to prepare that stage of your HIP within 5 working days. 

Do you prepare HIPs outside the Nottinghamshire area?

Unfortunately, we can only provide a HIP for properties within the Nottingham and Mansfield area. 

If I instruct you do I need to pay for the HIP straight away?

Yes, we will require payment before carrying out the HIP.

How do I pay you for a HIP?

You can pay using the following methods:

  Cash if handed in and receipted in the office

  Debit Card over the phone or in the office

  Credit card (for which there will be a small charge)
  Internet bank transfer
 

Do I need to complete any forms?

Yes, you will need to complete the Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) and that needs to go into the initial stage of the HIP. 

Can I get assistance from you in completing the Property Information Questionnaire?

Generally, if you are selling a freehold property (normally a house) then you should be able to prepare the document yourself.  However, we recognise that there are difficulties in relation to Leasehold properties (generally flats) and we can provide some assistance. 

Will I need a copy of the Lease before I complete the part of the Property Information Questionnaire that deals with leases?

Yes, generally you should have a copy of your Lease. 

If I haven't got a copy of the Lease, how could one be obtained?

Normally it should have been obtained when you bought the property.  If you haven't got a copy, it may be with the Solicitors who you used when you purchased (if you used us then we would almost certainly have a copy).

It may be with your mortgagees and they could certainly be approached although these days it is becoming increasingly unlikely.   If you are not able to obtain a copy of the Lease at all, it can be obtained from HM Land Registry but there is a charge of £23.00 to £30.00 (depending on the age of the Lease). 

What is the HIP code and do you subscribe to it?

The HIP Code is a code which prescribes good practice in relation to the production of HIPs.  To view the code please see http://www.propertycodes.org.uk/HIP_CODE.ASPX
We produce HIPs in accordance with that code. 

What are your requirements for personal and address identification?

Identification is required as soon as possible and certainly before the HIP can be released.  Address verification can include the following documents:

 Confirmation of Electoral Register
 Utility Bill Statement (not more than three months old)
 Council Tax Bill (for current year)
 Bank or Building Society Statement (not more than three months old)
 Mortgage Account Statement (current year)
 Local Authority/Housing Association Rent Card

Personal identification can be one of the following:

 A valid full passport

 A valid UK photocard driving licence (both parts)
 A valid HM forces identity card
    with your photograph

 Another acceptable form of photographic identification (you will need to discuss 
    what is acceptable)

How do I instruct you to prepare my HIP?

You can telephone us on Freephone 0800 1071 207 or click the link below to instruct us online.