HIP industry offers further reassurance

The HIP industry has presented a united front in a recent letter to the Housing Minister, offering the strongest of reassurances that it is ready to deliver HIPs effectively and efficiently as of the 1st June this year.

The AHIPP letter, which was signed by over 100 industry members and backed by 1000s of individuals, was sent to dispel in particular, a number of myths raised in recent statements.

Government research published in January provides ample evidence that home buyers and sellers in England and Wales suffer with regards to cost and stress due to the currently broken, house transaction process, a process which up until now, industry has failed to rectify.

Myths dispelled

Any market impact due to the introduction of HIPs is likely to be minimal and short lived. There is general agreement across the industry that there may be a slight increase in listings in May this year as estate agents encourage homeowners to list their properties before they are required to have a HIP from the 1st June. This may generate a small overhang of property listings, although this is unlikely to be substantial due to the fall in properties coming on to market at the present time.

The suggestion that HIPs will deter sellers from entering the market because of cost was deemed as “frankly absurd”. The overall cost of a single transaction today runs to over £5,500, and a HIP with an EPC will increase this by less than £200. In fact, overall there is likely to be no cost increase to the homeowner as HIPs will help to drive out the cost of failed transactions from the market.

The EPC – the impact of a delay

Research carried out by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) suggests that, if even just 10% of consumers opt to follow the energy saving guidelines contained in the packs, C02 emissions could be reduced by as much as 320,000 tonnes every year. Those calling for the delay in the introduction of Home Information Packs are effectively calling for a delay in the potential savings of over 26,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every month.

Industry stands ready to deliver

There will be more than sufficient capacity amongst HIP providers to meet the demands on the 1st June 2007. Industry has assured Government that there will be a sufficient number of Domestic Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors, ready to deliver EPCs and the projected voluntary demand for Home Condition Reports.

Mike Ockenden, Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) concludes: “Our recent letter which was sent directly to Yvette Cooper offers unequivocal assurance from the industry that it is ready to offer packs as of the 1st June. Calls from those who wish to see delays, for whatever reasons or vested interests, should be ignored by the Minister, who should feel confident in delivering this consumer and environmental reform on the 1st June.”