Rics takes Hips to court

Posted: 16 May 2007 09:29:01 GMT

Home information packs (Hips) have come under new scrutiny from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) after the latter launched court proceedings against the controversial measures.

Home information packs (Hips) have come under new scrutiny from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) after the latter launched court proceedings against the controversial measures.

Rics has suggested that the plans for forthcoming packs have not consulted the law and that it was taking such action to protect the consumer.

Hips will be introduced on June 1 and will require property sellers to draw up a number of important financial documents such as energy certificates.

Critics have stated that Hips are too expensive for what they offer and that they may be totally unworkable.

Now Rics will begin a judicial review against the Department for Communities and Local Government as it believes the department failed to consult before the legislation was instated.

"We have exhausted all the alternatives and greatly regret that we were left with no other option if we are to protect the public's property interests," said Teresa Graham, chairman of Rics' regulatory board.

Hips must also include documents such as a sale statement and an index of contents.

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