Home information Packs including Energy Performance Certificates have been implemented for the sale of three and four bedroom (and larger) properties. From the 14th December 2007, the Packs will also be required for Studio and 1 and 2 bedroom properties coming on to the market.

Until the end of this year, properties can be marketed as soon as a pack is commissioned, and as a temporary measure Energy Performance Certificates can be up to 12 months old when a property is put up for sale.

Myler & Co Estates will quickly help arrange a HIP so your property can be marketed for sale as quickly as possible. Please contact our office to arrange a free market appraisal of your home.

A HIP contains:

• An Index - This is list of contents in the pack
• An Energy Performance Certificate - The certificate measures your home's energy efficiency and will suggest cost-effective energy saving improvements. The checks will be carried out by independent Domestic Energy Assessors.
• Sale statement - This information confirms what is for sale. It will tell you if the property is freehold, leasehold or common hold. Whether it is registered, and if the property is being sold with vacant possession.
• Evidence of Title - These documents provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and must contain the official copies of title plans, charges and other documents that can be requested from the Land Registry.
• Standard Searches - These include the local land charges register, local enquiries, drainage and water enquiries.
• Additional Statements and Information for Leasehold and Common hold properties.

Buying new homes off-plan

Off-plan sales of new builds, which are not yet completed, will be required to provide a Predicated Energy Assessment. This will give a predicted energy rating which will carry a warning to show that the HIP was arranged prior to building completion.

How long does a HIP last?

If your stop marketing your home, but then place it back on the market again within one year of the original marketing date, the documents will still be valid.

If the property is taken off the market but the sale falls through and the property is returned back to the market within 28 days, no documents will need to be refreshed, regardless of when this takes place.

How much is a HIP?

A HIP is a cost of sale that is a legal requirement from the first day the property is placed on the market. Myler & Co Estates can provide a number of funding choices to fit with your requirements. These will be explained to you at your property market appraisal.