Hips/EPCs Packs

Home Information Packs (HIPS)

From December 2007 all existing housing types being marketed for sale, require a Home Information Pack (HIP). The HIP provides information to prospective purchasers at the very start of their interest in a new home, giving transparency on key issues and improving the speed and conclusion of transactions.

A key component of the HIP is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which will rate the home's energy efficiency, using graphs like those on fridges and washing machines. An on-site house energy assessment is required.

The EPC includes recommendations on how to cut fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions, encouraging people to make improvements to the energy efficiency of their homes.

The HIPS pack includes the following documents

·         Index

·         Energy Performance Certificate

·         Sales Statement

·         Land Registry Title and Plan

·         Local Authority Searches

·         Drainage and Water searches

·         Additional Documents for Leasehold Properties

·         Copy of New Homes Warranty (if applicable)

HIP Pack from £199.00 + VAT

Home Information Packs (HIPS) for New Houses

From April 2008, sellers of newly built houses will have to provide a Home Information Pack for potential buyers that includes a ‘New Build’ Energy Performance Certificate.

Where a home is marketed "off-plan" before it is physically complete, it will need a Pack but it will not have a full Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Instead the Pack will contain a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA). This will look similar to the graphs from a full EPC and will be produced from the design plans for the building rather than a physical inspection.

When completed, the full EPC can then be produced. The EPC for new build or converted properties are SAP based and must be completed by an accredited 'On-Construction' DEA.

HIP Pack New Build £289.00 + VAT

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for Rented Houses

A landlord is responsible for ensuring that a valid EPC for their buy-to-let residential investment property is available to all prospective tenants from the 1st October 2008. The EPC and recommendation report  must be made available free of charge by a landlord to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity.

Landlords or letting agents that don’t have a valid EPC risk being reported to the Local Trading Standards and also the Office of Fair Trading. Penalties include fines of up to £5000 and loss of the right to operate.

EPC for Rentals from £65.00 + VAT

Last Updated: 30 April 2008