AHIPP welcomes new HIP legislation

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has welcomed the new HIP legislation, which from 6th April requires a HIP to be in place before a home can be put on the market, in addition to the inclusion of a new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ).

The PIQ, which must be completed by the vendor, is set to help potential buyers make a more informed decision on whether to make an offer. It brings to the front of the process important information such as a home’s council tax band, the access to the property and any structural changes, which may have been carried out.

Mike Ockenden, Director General, AHIPP, comments:

“Providing simple, easy to understand, upfront information regarding a property will enable buyers to make a more informed decision, making them less likely to pull out later in the process. The PIQ will also raise consumer awareness and appetite for the HIP, as vendors completing the questionnaire are likely to request to see similarly completed forms for any properties they go on to view.

“The information required in the PIQ is already obtained from the seller in the present system, but much later in the sale process. There is nothing new, just different timing that makes total sense.”

AHIPP members are turning HIPs around in an average of five days. They will also typically be offering PIQ completion services and consumer help lines to assist vendors in completing the questionnaires to prevent delays in the process.

Vendors are urged to ensure they choose a pack provider that subscribes to the HIP Code. The code sets out minimum standards for consumer protection and ensures stringent regulation and redress for all those who obtain their HIPs through a registered provider.

The HIP must include:

Index
Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
Energy Performance Certificate or Predicted Energy Assessment
Sustainability Certificate (new homes only)
Sale Statement
Local Authority searches (can follow in up to 28 days if not immediately available)
Lease (as applicable - can follow in up to 28 days if not immediately available