Hips trials begin across UK

Posted: 06 Nov 2006 10:31:06 GMT

Home information packs (Hips) have been launched on a trial basis in six areas of the UK today

Home information packs (Hips) have been launched on a trial basis in six areas of the UK today.

Testing of the system has begun in Southampton, Newcastle, Northampton, Bath, Huddersfield and Cambridge today, although homeowners will not pay for the packs.

The government plans to launch Hips as a mandatory requirement in June 2007, shifting the onus on gathering information from buyer to seller.

"It's a major change. It takes the emphasis away from the buyer and makes sure the seller puts information up front," chartered surveyor Stephen Hayter told the BBC.

"Many sellers and buyers do appreciate seeing information early in the process rather than too late."

The trials have been criticised for their lack of clarity however, with the government yet to reveal the criteria for judging the scheme a success or failure.

The most stringent and controversial element of the proposed system, home condition reports, have also been delayed for additional testing and will not be launched in June.

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