What Is a Home Information Pack (HIP)?

The Home Information Pack contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know. HIPs can help all parties to commit more quickly and reduce the risk of sales falling through. The packs aim to increase confidence in the sale process from the start by providing key information up front.

Properties marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales need a Home Information Pack.

Benefits for sellers

For sellers, providing a Pack upfront should reduce the likelihood of any nasty surprises in the selling process that could delay the sale, as buyers will be able to make more informed decisions about purchasing their home.

Benefits for buyers

For buyers, the Pack provides essential information about properties they are considering buying, free of charge.

What does a Pack contain?

The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack.

  • Home Information Pack Index
  • Energy Performance Certificate
  • Sale statement
  • Standard searches
  • Evidence of title
  • Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate
  • A HIP for a newly built home must have a certificate (or interim certificate) showing the rating that the home has received in respect of the Code for Sustainable Homes or a nil-rated certificate showing that the home has only been designed to meet current Building Regulations

However, up until 1 January 2009 it is possible to market a property without all of the compulsory documents.

Optional items

Some documents in the Home Information Pack are optional. These include:

  • Home Condition Report
  • Legal summary
  • Home use/contents forms
  • Other documents
  • Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.

What Next?