Q. Who compiles the HIP?
A. Although you could compile a HIP yourself, the HIP regulations are very complicated. Smartlandlord
® can do all the hard work for you, leaving you safe in the knowledge that a Smartlandlord
® HIP has been checked to ensure that it is legally compliant.
Q. What is included in a HIP?
A. The Home Information Pack contains two types of documentation:
- Compulsory information - such as the Sale Statement, Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ), Evidence of Title and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), sustainability information (required for newly built homes), sale statement and standard searches (local authority, drainage and water). For leasehold properties, a copy of the lease must also be included.
- Optional information - such as the legal summary, home use/contents form, specialised search reports (e.g. a mining search) and the Home Condition Report, a legal report on the physical condition of the property that brings to light any problems which will incur repair costs.
If any of the compulsory information is missing, a document called the Home Information Pack Index will explain the valid reasons why.
Q. What does a HIP look like?
A. There is not a standard 'look' for a Home Information Pack. The only legal requirement is that it contains all of the compulsory items and that certain documents were no more than three months old when the property was first marketed for sale.
Q. At point do I require a HIP, i.e. before I start marketing or before the house sale?
A. If you are currently marketing a property for sale and you do not have a HIP, you could be in breach of the regulations and face a hefty fine. From 6 April 2009, the full Home Information Pack must be completed; including the PIC before marketing can begin (this means even a 'For Sale' sign).
Q. Who is responsible for obtaining a HIP?
A. The party selling a property is responsible for providing a Home Information Pack. The buyer has the right to receive a copy of the Home Information Pack, except where the seller believes that the buyer can't afford the property, isn't genuinely interested or is a risk to it. If you feel you're being unlawfully denied a copy, you can contact a local authority trading standards officer who will look into the case.
Q. Will I have to pay for a HIP as a prospective buyer?
A. No, the Home Information Pack (HIP) is free for buyers, although the seller may ask the buyer to cover the copy and postal fees.
Q. I am thinking of taking my property off the market for a few months. Will I have to get a new one if I put it back on the market again?
A. You will need to provide an updated HIP if you take your property off the market and then put it back up for sale more than 1 year later.
Q. Can I buy my Commercial HIP from Smartlandlord®?
A. No, at this present time Smartlandlord
® does not provide Commercial HIPs.
Q. When will I receive my HIP?
A. Your HIP will be processed and sent out to you within 3-4 working days.
Q. How will I receive my HIP?
A. In order to decrease waiting time we will deliver your HIP in a PDF format.
Q. What is the Property Information Questionnaire and when do I need one?
A. The Property Information Questionnaire (PIC for short), is information collated by the seller for use as checklist by the buyer when walking around the property. It is not intended as a replacement for the more detailed enquiry made during the conveyancing process but as a means of reducing the amount of surprises that may arise after purchasing a property. From the 6 April 2009 the PIC is required before any marketing is carried out. Sellers can get a downloadable PIC
here.
