Home Infomation Packs
A Home Information Pack is a set of documents, provided by a seller, which will give a potential buyer key information about the property for sale. HIPs have been introduced through government legislation as part of the 2004 Housing Bill.

Home Information Packs are required because the government is concerned about the number of failed home buy/sell transactions. By providing the information contained within the HIP, buyers will be able to make better informed home purchasing decisions, leading to less failed buy/sell transactions.

HIP contents
The required documents are:

•An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack).
•A sale statement (summarising terms of sale).
•Evidence of title.
•Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
•An Energy Performance Certificate.
•Where appropriate, commonhold information (including a copy of the commonhold community statement).
•Where appropriate, leasehold information (including a copy of the lease, information on service charges and insurance).
•Where appropriate, a New Homes Warranty.
•Where appropriate, a report on a home that is not physically complete.

•Home Condition Report

When a Home Inpsection Report in not required.
1.Residential Premises sold without vacant possession.
For example sold with a sitting tenant.

2.Non-residential premises.
This needs to have been the most recent use, or a house where it is clear from the marketing that it is due to be converted, (needs to have relevant planning consents). Does not include home working.

3.Dual use of a dwelling house.
Property was most recently used for both residential and non-residential purposes and this is clear from the manner in which it is marketed.

4.Mixed non-residential and residential property.
Property is to be sold with one or more non-residential premises, or the house is secondary to the non-residential premises and the seller does not intend to accept an offer in isolation. This must be clear from the manner in which the property is marketed.

5.Seasonal and holiday accommodation.
Only if occupation is for less than 11 months out of 12, or property is only used for holiday accommodation. This must be clear from the manner in which the property is marketed.

6.Portfolios of property.
This applies when the seller does not intend to accept an offer for one property in isolation. It must also be clear in the marketing that the seller’s intension is not to split the portfolio.

7.Unsafe property.
Unoccupied and its condition poses a serious risk to visitors. It must be clear from the marketing that it is unsuitable for occupation.

8.Property due to be demolished.
It must be clear from the marketing that the property is suitable for demolition and that all the relevant planning permissions are in place.

9.Property with land over 5 hectares.
Only if land is used primarily for agricultural purposes.