Phased implementation of HIPS is a shambles, says NAEA

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has renewed its dismay over the government’s plans for home information packs (HIPs) following the release of revised regulations today by the department of Communities and Local Government (CLG).

The government has confirmed that there will be three stages for the implementation of HIPs: the first commencing on 1st August and applying to properties with four or more bedrooms, followed by a second and third phase covering three bedroom properties and then all other properties as soon as there are enough domestic energy assessors (DEAs) to cope with demand.

Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive at the NAEA, comments: “The already chaotic situation surrounding HIPs appears to be getting even worse. The idea of three separate phases will cause complete confusion and delay the introduction of the important energy performance certificate (EPC).

“The NAEA continues to be dismayed that despite criticism of the proposals from Parliament, the industry, the media and the public, the CLG is continuing to push forward with these ill-thought out proposals.

“We once again urge the government to separate the EPC from the rest of the HIP to allow for its rapid introduction, and then to scrap the remainder of the Pack. Following that, the government should sit down with the industry to work out a sensible way of improving the home buying and selling process.

“We also remain very concerned over the issue of monitoring HIPs, particularly considering the potential lack of action by Trading Standards. This will cause an uneven playing field that will work against professional agents, such as those belonging to the NAEA.”