Home Information Packs - HIPs : Energy Legislation & Regulations Explained


Who Needs a Home Information Pack or HIP?

From the 14th December 2007 any property that is marketed for sale in England and Wales will need a Home Information Pack.

Can I market the property before I receive the HIP?

The HIP needs to be ordered when the property is first put on the market, at the moment and until 31st December 2008, you do not need to have possession of the Hip but must have proof that one has been ordered.

From January 1st the EPC must be available even if other components of the Home Information Pack Are not yet ready.

Whats in the Home Information Pack?

  • An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the HIP)
  • A sale statement (summarising the terms of sale)
  • Evidence of title
  • Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
  • An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • Commonhold information (where appropriate)
  • A copy of the lease (where appropriate)
  • Property Information Questionaire

Energy Regulations came into force at the beginning of October in England and Wales which requires all landlords to give new tenants a certificate showing the energy efficiency of their rented property. This will allow potential tenants to consider energy efficiency and fuel costs.

For more information regarding these regulations please visit our Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Advice for Landlords page.