Zurich first to offer online homeowner Logbook

Zurich Building Guarantee, Zurich’s direct new home warranties arm has launched the first online homeowner Log Book, ahead of the ‘go-live’ date for the Home Information Pack (HIP) in December 31.

Delivered in association with innovative technology company Property Log Book, a leading provider of web-based solutions to property professionals, the Zurich Log Book is HIP compliant and enables both developers and homeowners to capture, store and retrieve essential information about their properties.

Where developers could expect to pay approximately £100 per home for such a service Zurich is providing it free of charge, a benefit the developer can pass on to the homeowner as part of their new homes package over and above what must be provided.

As well as helping them comply with HIP requirements, the solution will significantly ease any administrative burden on developers, who need only provide the information once, it then being held under a secure password on the internet. The developer will give the password to prospective buyers, enhancing customer service and cutting the time and cost of producing a large file of papers for each.

There are benefits too for the conveyancing process as the Zurich Log Book will contain essential information for solicitors, selling agents and surveyors regarding the condition of a property and other useful material. Once a sale is completed the buyer will be able to change their password and have access to update the data for the first year. After that the data will be held as read only in perpetuity, but the homeowner can purchase full access that will enable changes to be made direct from the Property Log Book company."

Martin Horsler, Head of Zurich Building Guarantee said: ‘The house buying and selling process can be demanding and new legislation will involve added responsibility and cost for all parties. The inclusion of the Zurich Log Book as standard is just one way we are working with developers to make things simpler for them, and their customers in turn, in light of these changes.’

He continued: ‘As this solution, once set up, belongs to and remains with the property forever it has a wide variety of benefits for the owner – from a means of notifying claims under their insurance policy through to helping them compile a new HIP when they come to sell.’