Since 14 December 2007 all properties in England and Wales, whatever their size, require a HIP.

What will a HIP contain?

The HIP will contain, amongst other things, evidence of your title to the property, local and drainage search results and a new document called an Energy Performance Certificate. For leasehold properties and some freehold properties it will also be necessary to apply for information from the landlord or managing agents although delays in the production of this information will not delay your ability to market your property.

Despite much debate in Parliament and the media, the Government has decided against making it compulsory to include a Home Condition Report (survey) in the HIP and therefore in most cases the purchaser will carry out their own survey, as has been the practice for many years.

Transitional provisions

Until 31 May 2008, you will be allowed to market your property as soon as you have commissioned a pack - rather than having to wait until the pack is received.

As a temporary measure, EPCs can be up to twelve months old when the property is put up for sale. 

Why should you choose Sykes Anderson to produce your HIP?

At Sykes Anderson we have a team of highly experienced conveyancers who have acted for a wide range of clients in residential sales and purchases. We have a particular depth of experience in dealing with properties in and around London and have good links with many of the larger Estate Agencies. We also have considerable experience in dealing with property around the rest of the UK and boast a successful French property and tax department should you ever consider branching out abroad.

We can provide you with our own Sykes Anderson LLP fixed price HIP. Our HIP is a premium pack, backed by the services you expect from our team here at Sykes Anderson. The HIP is:

• Fixed price
• Guaranteed to be compliant with HIP legislation
• Prepared online, reducing delays and ensuring the pack is prepared as quickly as possible
• Flexible, allowing inclusion of additional authorised items to assist you in marketing your property
• Competitively priced

We have procedures in place to prepare a HIP within days of receiving your instructions. Once produced, we can provide the HIP in a range of formats, suited to how you want to market your home.

If you intend to use multiple agents to market the property we can send copies of our HIP to all of the agents. Other HIP providers may place restrictions on the distribution of the HIP between multiple agents to the extent you may be tied in to use a single agent.

How much will the HIP cost?

(i) The Production Costs

Our fixed price HIP costs £375 plus VAT for any property. This fee will include the costs of obtaining the required searches, Land Registry documents and the Energy Performance Certificate. If necessary we can arrange for further copies to be produced and can provide a CD copy of the HIP for use by you or your Estate Agent.

(ii) Landlord / Managing Agent Fee

For leasehold and freehold properties where there are service charge provisions, the Landlord or Managing Agent will, in accordance with accepted practice, charge a fee for providing the information requested.

Further information

Please check our web site for regular updates on HIPs and the conveyance and other services we provide. Further information on HIPs can also be found on the official Government web site www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk.
If you have any questions as to how the changes in the law are likely to affect you, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0207 398 4700 or email Diane Weinstock and we will be happy to discuss your specific circumstances.