Early feedback from roll out proves consumer demand for HIPS

Feedback from the early roll out of Home Information Packs (HIPs) has indicated that consumers are welcoming HIPs, with many packs commissioned within the first month of the launch.

The early roll out in six locations across the UK, launched by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) in November and supported by Government (who chose to follow AHIPP and carry out their area trials in the same six areas) was greeted with a positive response from local consumers. Many have since asked for a HIP on their home, with the majority also requesting the voluntary Home Condition Report (HCR).

Mr Mole of North Shields, who has recently requested his pack through estate agent Fresh Property Centre said: “I have opted for a full pack, with the Home Condition Report. I am keen for a quick sale and I believe that by having all of the information about my property upfront it will save time further down the line, as the buyer will be able to make a more informed decision from the offset.”

The launch was also welcomed by many forward thinking agents who are now facing up to the reality that HIPs will happen and are keen to get processes in place to ensure they are ready, ahead of the mandatory introduction next June.

Kit Johnson, Director of Kit Johnson Residential in Bath, who is taking part in the roll out said: “We are delighted to be offering our consumers an opportunity to sample the packs ahead of their mandatory introduction next June. We hope it will make the whole house buying and selling process more transparent - helping to speed up transactions which is what the consumer wants.”

Paul Broadhead, Deputy Director General for AHIPP added: “We have seen many consumers now enquiring about the packs with their local estate agent. In fact, feedback from our members has suggested that over 700 packs have already been commissioned since November, over 60% of which have included an HCR, (and in some locations this rises to over 90%).

“Estate agents play a key role in informing the public and explaining the various benefits and processes involved in purchasing a pack and I am pleased to see a rapidly increasing number of businesses becoming more proactive.

“The reality is HIPs are happening and we have seen clear indications that more businesses are now taking steps to prepare, with AHIPP membership continuing to grow, up a further 10% since the roll was first announced in August.”

The AHIPP roll out of packs in the next 12 locations is likely to fuel further demand with more consumers able to benefit from a pack ahead of the June deadline.