Since 14 December 2007 every home put on the market, no matter what size, must have a Home Information Pack (HIP). It brings together valuable information at the start of the process - such as a sale statement, local searches and evidence of title - which could save you money, time and stress. The Pack also includes an Energy Performance Certificate that contains advice on how to cut CO2 emissions and fuel bills.
All HIPs must contain :
- An Index (showing the contents of the HIP).
- An Energy Performance Certificate for the property - see below (which can only be produced by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor).
- A statement containing certain information about the seller and the intended sale.
- Evidence of legal title to the property.
- A local search and a drainage search.
- Certain additional information if the property is leasehold.
For further information on what needs to be included in a HIP , and how this legislation affects you, we recommend that you consult a Rightmove member estate agent. Rightmove members will be able to help you obtain a HIP when you decide to put your property on the market. You can also visit the Government's dedicated HIPs website http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk for more information.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Sellers of residential property in England & Wales, and the estate agents acting on their behalf in marketing the property, will also be required to provide prospective buyers with a copy of a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
This document forms a key part of the HIP and can only be produced by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor. The EPC provides detailed analysis about the energy efficiency of the property, along with information about its CO2 impact. It also contains information regarding improvements and measures that could be taken to improve the energy efficiency of the property. The EPC contains coloured energy information graphs, rather like those found on the front on new fridges and other domestic appliances.
Domestic Energy Assessors will award the property an energy rating based on current energy performance together with the potential rating the property could achieve if it were to be improved to current best standards. More information about EPC graphs that you will find displayed on Rightmove by estate agents is given below.
Free energy efficiency report
To find out how energy efficient your home is, the Energy Saving Trust can provide you with a free, personalised report showing you how much energy and money you can save in your home. It has been shown that an average household could save up to £300 per year on energy bills and reduce around two tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by making energy improvements.
Please note that the report from the Energy Saving Trust is NOT an EPC. Results may differ from the actual rating given to your home by a Domestic Energy Assessor.
e-stateAgents.com can obtain you an independent Home Information Pack.
A variety of options when it comes to HIP
Just pay £199 to have your property marketed and then pay for your HIP on completion (price will be confirmed) or, for an Independent HIP we will charge £300 freehold and £330 leasehold and then also £199 up front to market your property.
Payment options
- Full payment upfront of £300.00 for Freehold properties and £330.00 for Leasehold properties.
- 50% at the start of the HIP process and 50% one month after completion of the HIP.... there is a £15.00 surcharge for this option.
- 10% at the start of the HIP process with the remainder spread over 3 months.... there is a £30.00 surcharge for this option.
