Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is a Hip?
A set of documents which gives a potential buyer key information about the property for sale.
The seller or the ‘responsible person’ marketing the property has to ensure a HIP is available for potential buyers.
From April 6th 2009 legislation requires that the HIP Index, Sale Statement, PIQ and Evidence of Title (see below) must be available prior to putting your house on the market.
2) What happens if I don’t get a Hip?
Many people think that the maximum fine is £200. This is not true. The initial fine is £200 but if the property remains on the market further fines will be imposed. There is provision to increase the initial fine to £500. If an Estate Agent is acting for the seller and does not arrange a HIP then they could ultimately be the subject of a Banning Order which would prevent them from continuing to trade.
3) What does a Hip contain?
A HIP includes documents that are required when homes are bought and sold. Some documents are mandatory and others optional.
The mandatory documents are:
- An index (ie a list of the contents of the HIP)
- Property Information Questionnaire
- A sale statement (summarising the terms of sale)
- Evidence of title
- Standard searches (ie local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Commonhold information (where appropriate)
- A copy of the lease (where appropriate)
Documents that are optional include:
- A Home Condition Report (HCR)
- Additional leasehold, information
- Guarantees and warranties
- Other searches relevant to the particular area
4)Should the pack include a Home Condition Report?
A Home Condition Report could help you sell your property more quickly if it shows that it is in good condition, or if it highlights any problems straight away for potential buyers, it can avoid nasty surprises for buyers later in the process.
5) How soon can a property be marketed?
The HIP regulations changed on first day marketing from 6 April 2009 to ensure prospective buyers have comprehensive information about a property as it comes onto the market, and that sellers get to see the product they are paying for.As of 6 April 2009, part of the HIP must be in place before marketing of property can commence. The following documents will be needed:
• The index
• Title Documents
• Sale Statement
• Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
• Energy Performance Certificate
The “Mini Hip” can be compiled within 48 hours of the Energy Performance Assessment.
6) When don't you need a HIP?
• Properties where there is no marketing (e.g. sale to member of your family)
• Non-residential properties
• Seasonal and holiday accommodation
• Mixed sales (e.g. shop with flat)
• Right to buy purchases
• Sales of portfolios of properties
• Properties not being sold with vacant possession
• Unsafe properties and properties to be demolished
7) I'm selling my house privately - do I need a Home Information Pack?
If you are marketing your property, even if it's just by putting a 'for sale' sign in the window, you need a Pack. Sales where no marketing takes place (e.g. to a member of the family) won't need a Pack.
8) What happens if I take my property off the market?
If a seller takes a property off the market and then puts it back on, the same Pack can be used, provided remarketing starts within a year of it first being marketed.
9) How long will the HIP be valid?
The Evidence of title and the searches cannot be over three months old when a property is first marketed. Energy Performance Certificates cannot be more than a year old. For the latest information on the validity of Energy Performance Certificates visit:
