Watts New

HIPS – Home Information Packs

After a last minute dramatic change of plan by the government, the Home Information Packs (HIPs), the new legislation affecting buyers and sellers of property, will now be implemented on a phased basis from 1 August 2007 and not from 1 June 2007 as previously planned.

From this date only 4 bedroom houses and above will need a HIP with another phased introduction for 3 bedroom and smaller properties as soon as there is sufficient accredited Domestic Energy Assessors to meet demand.

Additionally, until 31 December 2007 sellers can begin marketing their property as soon as they have ordered a HIP including an EPC. They do not have to await the receipt of any documents.

The HIP is a set of documents providing important information about a property, but essentially it includes three mandatory items;

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which tells how energy efficient the property is
• Evidence of title
• Searches

Regardless of the changes made, Robert Watts will still be able to provide a simple no hassle Home Information Pack to prepare your property for sale.  We are in a unique position to provide this service via our in-house conveyancing service, Watts Cadmans, and are confident that this will be prepared without delay when you decide to move. The title and search documents are already prepared by Watts Cadmans when houses are sold, so effectively all this work will be done upfront with the EPC attached.

Because Robert Watts place so many houses on the market, we will also be using two external HIP providers, ‘MDA Advantage’ and ‘Fusion Hips’ who can provide the Pack direct. Whichever company provides the Packs, they will be sent on email and held at the relevant office for potential purchasers to view with a hard copy sent to the client.

For more information please telephone your nearest branch or call into any of our five offices.