Home Information Packs finally became mandatory for all homes on 14 December 2007 with the last phase of the roll out extended to include one and two bed properties. Now all residential properties being placed on the market will require a Home Information Pack.

The scheme has seen a number of delays primarily because not enough energy assessors were trained and in place to carry out the all important energy performance reviews – now it’s full steam ahead for the Government. Admittedly, the delays have caused a great deal of unrest within the industry and for the many people who had given up their jobs and retrained as energy assessors it has been doubly frustrating and worrying. However, as most agents and HIP providers have now had the opportunity of becoming familiar with the process of compiling the packs, the full implementation should now run smoothly.

In it’s recent announcement the Government did extend the provisional regulations up to 1 June 2008. This means that until June properties can be marketed from day one without a completed pack so long as the seller can demonstrate that a HIP and EPC has been requested. In it’s ongoing review the government has also hi-lighted some problems with obtaining the leasehold information for flats and have subsequently extended the transitional provisions so that most of the leasehold information previously classified as Required (Compulsory) will be Authorised (voluntary). The exception is the Lease itself which must be included in the pack.

Coles Miller Solicitors has through its dedicated HIP team already successfully produced over 100 packs, mainly for three or four bedroom properties. Head of Conveyancing, Fiona Knight, says “The process is generally fairly straightforward and for a firm of solicitor’s like ourselves the compiling of the searches and legal documents is second nature to us. In addition, we have developed good solid relationships with our agents and energy assessors to establish a quick and effective online system. Our clients therefore should have no concerns about the impact of HIPs on them.”

The process of compiling a HIP can be conducted on line simply and easily. On average packs will take a week to compile. Title deeds and searches will be ordered for your property from the local council and your pack provider will arrange for an energy assessor to book an appointment with you to visit and carry out the energy review. All these components will be submitted online and collated into one document – your home information pack and this will be available to view online or a printed copy can be provided if you require. The cost of a pack varies with the average cost of a pack being between £300 - £350, but in many cases the fee will only be payable upon completion from the sale proceeds as would have been the case prior to HIPs.

Supporters of the scheme believe that HIPs will eventually make the process of buying a home quicker and more transparent and the Government also hope that it will assist first time buyers as there will be fewer costs to be paid up front if you’re just purchasing.