The “HIP” is a set of documents providing important information about a property, such as its energy efficiency and legal title.

Sellers benefit because buyers are able to make a more informed decision about buying the property which should reduce the likelihood of nasty surprises coming up later which my delay the process.

Buyers benefit - because it provides important information about properties they are considering.

The required documents in a Home Information Pack are:

• Sales Statement
• Evidence of Title
• Property Information Questionnaire
• Local Authority Searches
• Drainage and Water Search
• Energy Performance Certificate
• Common-hold Information (where appropriate), including a copy of the common-hold community statement
• Leasehold Information (where appropriate) including a copy of the lease, information on service charges and insurance
• New Homes Warranty (where appropriate)
• A report on a home that is not physically complete (where appropriate)

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):

An Energy Performance Certificate must be included in the Home Information Pack.  An EPC provides home sellers with an 'A' to 'G' rating for their home's efficiency to help cut fuel bills and carbon emissions.

Any residential property that is let, viewed or has written details on it, now requires an EPC.  This legislation came into force on 1st October 2008.  It is the Landlord’s responsibility to ensure an EPC is available to prospective tenants.

The EPC is designed to help homeowners and landlords reduce the environmental impact of their homes and properties.

Only qualified and accredited Domestic Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors are allowed to prepare Energy Performance Certificates.