Time to get hip

NHBC, the UK's leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes has launched its Home Information Packs (HIPs) provision service to the industry. The new Home Information Packs (HIP) will become law on June 1 this year for all homes which are bought and sold, new or old, in England and Wales. NHBC is the largest company in the UK to date to offer HIP provision on this scale.

Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC's Chief Executive, said: "There has been uncertainty around HIPs and this is why I am pleased that NHBC has entered this field.

Through NHBC's involvement we aim to assist builders in implementing this legislation and this is particularly important given the short time we now have before it comes into effect."

From June 1 all new homes will need a HIP and it is important to remember that these will add a level of complexity to the information which builders currently have to provide to new home purchasers. Amongst the new information required are lease documents, searches and the new Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) - a requirement of European legislation.

NHBC has considerable experience as an Energy Rating Assessor and will provide EPCs alongside the HIP service.

NHBC is the largest company to date to take the step of offering HIPs to the industry across the UK and, with more than 70 years of experience in the industry, its expertise and knowledge in housing will prove valuable in the provision of HIPs. The new partnership is an important move for both the industry and also the consumer who can both continue to rely on NHBC to help them by facilitating the implementation of this new legislation.