Runhams are able to produce for you your own HIP in order for you to sell your house. By obtaining your HIP through us, you are able to continue to use people who you know and trust and who will get the job done as quickly as possible. Whilst Estate Agents can provide the HIP they have no legal qualifications and all of the documents in the HIP have always been obtained by solicitors who can advise you on their legal meaning and any obligations you may have.

HIPS (Home Information Packs)

The Government implemented Home Information Packs on a phased basis from 1 August 2007. They now apply if you are selling a property of any size. If you decide to sell one of these properties, you should obtain your HIP before you see an estate agent. Runhams can provide you with your HIP.

Who needs HIPs?

If you are marketing your property, even if it's just by putting a 'for sale' sign in the window, you need a HIP. Sales where no marketing takes place (e.g. to a member of the family) won't need a HIP.

Who compiles HIPs?

Runhams can arrange your HIP for you. Sellers can hire estate agents, solicitors, separate pack providers, or do it themselves, but it must be right to ensure legal compliance.

What's in a HIP?

Compulsory items

The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack:

• Home Information Pack Index
• Energy Performance Certificate
• Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A.
• The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment.
• The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings.
• Sale statement
• The sale statement should provide some basic information about the property, including:
• The address of the property being sold
• Whether the property is freehold, leasehold or commonhold
• Whether the property is registered or unregistered
• Whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession
• Standard searches including:
• Local Land Charges Search - the search can be carried out by a personal search company or a local authority, when you will receive an official search certificate. Some lenders will not accept a personal search.
• Other local authority records such as planning decisions and road building proposals. These are referred to as local enquiries in the HIP regulations.
• Drainage and water services to the property.
• Again, the search can be carried out by a personal search company or ain this case the relevant water authority
• Evidence of title - These documents prove that the seller owns the property and therefore has the right to sell it. Where the property being sold is registered, certain documents must be included in the Pack. These provide an up-to-date official record of who owns the land, and consist of:
• Official copies of the individual register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and, typically, a charges register)
• An official copy of the Title Plan
• Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.
• For sales of unregistered land, the Pack must include copies of a certificate of an official Land Registry search of the index map,and those documents that the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property, and thus the right to sell it.

Optional items

Some documents in the Home Information Pack are optional. These include:

• Home Condition Report
• Legal summary
• Home use/contents forms

Can We Help With Your HIP?

For a free no obligation discussion and quotation, please either call us now on 01274 532233 or complete our online free estimate form.