Many homeowners unaware of Hips

Posted: 23 Aug 2006 12:06:51 GMT

A large number of home owners are completely oblivious to Home Information Packs (Hips).

According to new research from energy supplier npower, 26 per cent of all homeowners didn't know what Hips were.

The ratio was worse in the 18 to 29-year-old category. A staggering 55 per cent of people questioned weren't aware of Hips and were uncertain what the phrase meant.

Energy efficiency is a significant part of Hips with households demonstrating to potential buyers how energy efficient their home is.

A certificate is planned to document the level of energy efficiency in the home as part of the wider information package designed to speed up the process of buying and selling a house.

Andrew Winter, presenter of Channel 4's Selling Homes, stated: "Having an energy efficient home will make it more attractive to potential purchasers as well as adding pounds to the value."

However two out of three people questioned in the research had no idea how energy efficient their home was. In addition only nine per cent said they considered it when moving house.

"There is a lot of confusing information out there about Hips and the energy performance certificates but it is important that people don't stick their head in the sand and make sure they understand what it means to them," Mr Winter added.


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