Good news for home buyers and sellers

Ruth Kelly has offered fresh reassurance for home buyers and sellers that the Government remains committed to the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), starting with four bedroom homes from 1st August.

The news has been welcomed by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), which has been working tirelessly with its members since the announcement on the 22nd May, when the introduction of HIPs was delayed for two months. The clarity provided by Government today will enable the HIP industry and energy assessors to ensure the successful delivery of packs from August onwards.

Government has laid out further details of the phased implementation of HIPs, detailing the number of energy assessors that will be required for all remaining properties with three bedrooms or less to go live. A new trigger mechanism has been introduced which makes it clear when three bedroom properties and then all other residential properties will be required to have a HIP. The mechanism demonstrates commitment to Ruth Kelly’s statement that HIPs will go live on all properties, as soon as possible.

In addition, new financial incentives are being made available to encourage all home sellers to obtain a HIP, including an EPC, on their home, before the 1st August. This is good news for home sellers and buyers who will have the opportunity to experience the benefits of HIPs first hand at minimal cost and with immediate effect.

Mike Ockenden, Director General, AHIPP said: “Ruth Kelly has today provided much needed clarity for consumers, the HIP industry and energy assessors and she has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the future of HIPs. Industry now has a structured implementation plan that offers HIP providers and energy assessors an opportunity to plan more confidently for the future.

“We now call upon all industries that touch the home buying and selling process to get behind the implementation of HIPs, in order to deliver the benefits to home sellers and buyers.

“Further, by delivering HIPs as early as possible the environmental benefits of putting EPCs in the hands of buyers before they make an offer will be realised sooner rather than later. With 27% of carbon emissions coming from our homes it is vitally important that energy efficiency measures are introduced as soon as possible.

“AHIPP and its members expressed great disappointment at Ruth Kelly’s announcement on the 22nd May but are now able to once again commit to delivering this much needed reform to take the stress out of home buying and selling.”