100 days until HIPS are here
It is now just 100 days until Home Information Packs (HIPs) become mandatory across England and Wales.While their journey hasn’t been smooth, HIPs are set to transform the house buying and selling process for all involved, reducing the high number of transactions that fall though each year, costing in the region of £1 million a day.
As the Government is about to launch its consumer campaign, informing households about HIPs, AHIPP is calling for industry andconsumers a like to ensure they are fully informed about their arrival.
Ten facts that industry should know about HIPs:
HIPs will become mandatory on the 1st June 2007
Anyone marketing their property on or after the 1st June must acquire a pack before putting their property on the market
The responsibility for acquiring a HIP rests with the person responsible for marketing the property, usually, the estate agent, developer or auctioneer, or indeed the seller themselves if the property is being sold privately
Over 1,600 HIPs have already been commissioned in the first six early roll out locations (Bath, Cambridge, Huddersfield, Newcastle, Northampton & Southampton) which commenced in November 2006
Feedback from agents in the initial six locations is that packs prove a useful selling tool
In the six initial, area trial locations Home Inspector registrations increased significantly.
In over 20 locations across England and Wales, consumers are already being offered the option of getting a HIP on their home
A qualification is now available for individuals to train as Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) – enabling them to qualify to compile the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) required in the packs (without having to complete the full Home Inspector qualification)
Thousands of people have already registered for the DEA qualification
A HIP Code has now been launched – pack providers adhering to the Code will be subject to stringent standards to ensure maximum protection for the consumer
Mike Ockenden, Director General, AHIPP said: “HIPs are being introduced to help improve the house buying and selling process for all involved – bringing more information about a property to the front of the process, allowing buyers to make more informed decisions and reducing the number of sales that fall through.
“In the locations where packs are being rolled out already we have received a positive response from industry, with many agents taking the opportunity to ensure they are prepared for when packs become mandatory.
“There is a lot of advice out there, with various courses and seminars being offered by our members as well as groups such as the NAEA and the Law Society - those who are still burying their heads in the sand need to take action now. Whether they like it or not, HIPs will happen on the 1st of June this year and it is those who are not ready who are going to struggle and will find themselves falling behind the competition.”