AHIPP responds to latest RICS allegation

Mike Ockenden, Director General of Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), responds to today’s allegation by RICS of a so called Government loop-hole in HIPs: “The allegation made today by RICS, claiming to have found a loop-hole in the latest Home Information Pack (HIP) regulations, which will not require sellers to produce a HIP at the exchange of contracts, is nothing more than the typical anti-HIP propaganda we have learned to expect. Following our own investigations into the regulations, this allegation is totally unfounded.

“It seems extraordinary to me that RICS spokesperson, Finchley estate agent Jeremy Leaf, should be advising sellers they need not acquire a HIP for their home, when only recently he was quoted on Times Online, as saying:

“The introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs) should make the home buying process simpler, more efficient and transparent as nearly all of the information you need to purchase a property will be available at the outset. This should reduce the risk of wasting money on abortive costs and the possibility of the sale falling through.”

Is he now advising consumers to steer away from HIPs, hence away from the many benefits the packs will hold - the majority of which he has clearly identified above – this is surely not in the best interest of the consumer?”