RICS comment on DCLG HIPS announcement

Commenting on the DCLG HIPS announcement, RICS spokesman, Oliver Gilmartin said: "Any attempt by the Government to make the home buying process clear and transparent is to be welcomed. However, we still have serious concerns over the implementation of what is now an incomplete solution to the original problem.

"We anticipate that more property will come onto the market before June as sellers try to avoid the upfront costs of HIPS. Any easing in house prices is likely to be short lived as we expect the market to level out quickly."