Life Without HIPS

Author: Caroline Beale & Steve Kenneford

There still appears to be confusion over the obligation to provide Home Information Packs since the announcement to suspend the same on the 21st May 2010.

The situation is as follows:-

Any/all properties marketed prior to the 21st May 2010 will require a fully compliant HIP.   Any properties marketed after the 21st May 2010 will no longer require a HIP but will require an Energy Performance Certificate to be provided at the cost of the seller.   The cost of the local authority and drainage searches will once again fall upon the Purchaser. 

So, effectively, with the exception of the EPC which is being retained, the last 4 years and probably the 3 before that (whilst we were all preparing ourselves for the new HIPS revolution) were a complete waste of time, effort, money and a further erosion of our already depleted rainforests in terms of the monumental waste of paper involved. Thanks for everything Yvette (Cooper)!

It remains to be seen whether any further changes will be made and we will keep you advised.