Sellers must be aware of Hips

Posted: 01 Aug 2007 11:18:59 GMT

Home information packs (Hips) are now a mandatory part of the home selling process for properties with four or more bedrooms.

Home information packs (Hips) are now a mandatory part of the home selling process for properties with four or more bedrooms.

Home sellers, who are trying to sell a property of this size, are now required to provide a Hip along with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

The cost of the pack needs to be met by the seller and the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp) says that the introduction of Hips will improve the home selling process for everyone.

It is expected that the average Hip will cost around £400 and rumours have been circulating about certain loopholes being present in the system.

However, Ahipp has moved to dispel these myths in order to remove any confusion that may be present.

It has been claimed that many sellers will simply list their home as having three bedrooms 'and a study' as a way of avoiding admitting to having four bedrooms and being liable for the Hip.

Ahipp claims that this would not benefit sellers as they would potentially knock thousands of pounds off the value of their home.

Some Hips critics have suggested that sellers will accept a £200 fine instead of paying up to £400 for a Hip, but Ahipp warns that the £200 fine is repeatable and is not a one-off.

"Hips are finally here and should be welcomed by consumers, environmentalists and industry alike," said Mike Ockenden, director general at Ahipp.

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