If you are looking for help with your Home Information Pack (HIP) contact JMS Solicitors. Based in Trafford, Manchester JMS Solicitors are able to provide you with your HIP for a low cost fee. Call us on Freephone 0800 781 7057 for more information of alternatively complete our simple enquiry form.
An explanation of terms commonly associated with Home Information Packs can be found below.
Energy Assessor – a domestic energy assessor tests the energy efficiency of building and suggests how it can be improved. They will typically collect information on the age, building type, number of windows and type of heating system in a property.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – a compulsory part of the Home Information Pack. The EPC shows the current energy rating of a property as well as ways that the rating could be improved.
Energy Rating – the energy rating is a measure of how energy efficient a home is. The higher the rating the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the fuel bills will be.
Evidence of Title – documents that prove that the seller of the property is the owner and therefore has the right to sell it.
Home Condition Report – an objective report on the condition of a property designed to be used by home buyers, sellers and mortgage lenders. A description of the general condition of a home taking into account its age and location.
Home Contents Form – a list of the items that will be left in the property when it is sold. The Home Contents Form is a non-compulsory part of Home Information Pack and is intended to be of use to the buyer.
Home Information Pack – the Home Information Pack contains a series of documents relating to a property being sold. Introduced in 2007 the pack is designed to assist potential buyers of a home.
Home Information Pack Index - lists the documents contained in the HIP and provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities. If a document that must be included in the HIP is unavailable, the Index must say so, give the reason it is missing, and list what steps are being taken to get it. The Index should be updated whenever documents are added or removed.
Home Use Form – also known as a Sellers Property Information Form the home use form is a questionnaire giving information about a property such as its council tax band, land boundaries and connected utilities.
Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) - completed by the seller. It provides a helpful checklist of simple information about a property buyers need to know before making any decision on the property.
Sale Statement – a document detailing the terms on which a property is being offered for sale. The sale statement includes information such as if the property is freehold or leasehold and who is selling.
Standard Searches – informs the buyer of a property about any hidden charges relating to the home. Examples of charges include those due to local authorities and providers of utilities.
Sustainability Information - for newly built homes. The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the environmental impact of a new home against nine categories. The code requirements only apply to new homes where a local council has received a building notice, initial notice or full plans application after 1 May 2008. Newly built homes must have either: a certificate (or interim certificate) showing the sustainability of the home assessed against the standards under the Code for Sustainable Homes OR a nil-rated certificate where the property has not been assessed against the Code