Ahipp seeks Hips assurance

Posted: 04 Sep 2007 12:04:48 GMT

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp) has moved to put an end to the controversy surrounding personal searches.

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (Ahipp) has moved to put an end to the controversy surrounding personal searches.

Following recent claims that some lenders will not accept a personal local authority search, which is included in Home information packs (Hips), unless it is signed of by a solicitor, Ahipp has sought assurances from conveyancers.

This has turned up positive results, with the organisation saying that all of its conveyancing members will rely on Hips content.

The vow is dependent on the packs being produced by a provider that subscribes to and complies with the Hip code.

"The Hip code not only protects home buyers and sellers, but also estate agents, conveyancers and mortgage lenders," said Ahipp director general Miek Ockenden.

"Consumers should therefore be aware that the conveyancer handling their purchase can rely on the contents of a Hip code compliant pack.

"If their conveyancer advises them that they will not, the buyer should consider using a firm that will, thus avoiding extra costs and delays in the process," he added.

The latest controversy to hit the introduction of Hips comes from pack provider LMS which told the Guardian that some local authorities are making life difficult for them.

A number of councils have been accused of introducing restrictions on when local searches can be carried out, therefore slowing down the home-selling process.

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