What is a HIP?

A Home Information Pack provides information to a buyer about a property which they may wish to purchase. The pack must be provided by the home seller or the seller's agent. The pack is intended to improve the home buying and selling process in England & Wales, which is currently very slow and subject to a 30% failure rate.

Under the current system, key information is withheld from both buyers and sellers until a sale is agreed. This often results in costly issues arising later than necessary in the sale process. The Government intends that by using a HIP, information will be provided up front enabling buyers to make an informed decision early on and avoid delays, uncertainties and unnecessary expense. The aim is that this new system will be simple and more efficient.

We will be pleased to discuss how we can help you with the production of your HIP, whether it be through our relationships with well regarded local solicitors, or whether it be using an on-line provider.

HIPS are not required when selling the following properties:

• Non-residential property
• Mixed commercial and residential property
• Sales of tenanted properties
• A portfolio of residential properties sold as a single lot
• Residential properties which are unsafe or due for demolition