Home Information Pack - Home Buyers |
Seeing the HIP before you buy a property allows you to make a more informed decision. You can get a copy of the Home Information Pack on request from whoever is selling the property, this is most likely to be an estate agent. The HIP should be given to you within 14 days free of charge. The Hip will have been compiled by either a Home Informaiton Pack Provider, or by the property vendor.
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A HIP should contain contain:
- An EPC or Energy Performance Certificate (It is worth noting that the average property within the UK falls within Bands D and E)
- A contents page
- A statement that summarises the terms of sale
- Title evidence - this should include a plan so that you can look at boundaries
- Searches
- If appropriate, leasehold or commonhold paperwork. If the property is leasehold the number of years remaing should be included.
The HIP will not necessarily contain a Home Condition report as this is optional at present. The HIP may contain a Legal Summary which identifies any issues that you may want to consider prior to purchasing the property. Also included may be details of ground rent or service charges where applicable. There may also be a Home Contents form included with details of fixtures and fittings included or excluded from the sale.
A home seller can refuse to give you a Home Informaiton Pack only if the seller:
- believes you cannot afford the property
- thinks that you are not really interested in buying the property
- does not wish to sell the property to you (although they cannot unlawfully discriminate against you).
On receiving a HIP you should:
- Check if any of the compulsory documents are missing
- Ask whether a Home Condition Report has been done
- Give a copy of the HIP to your solicitor.
You can read the Department for Communities and Local Government 'What to Look For in Your Home Information Pack' guide here.
If you are selling your property click here. |
