What’s in a home information pack?

The Home Information Pack Regulations (2006) set out the contents of a HIP and broke these into ‘required’ documents and ‘authorised’ documents.

‘Required’ documents must be in the HIP and are:-

• An index (list of contents within the pack).
• A sales statement (highlights the terms of the sale).
• Evidence of title.
• Standard searches (local authority, drainage and water).
• An energy performance certificate.
• Where appropriate, commonhold information.
• Where appropriate, leasehold information (lease agreement, service charges, etc).
• Where appropriate, new home warranty.
Where appropriate, a report on a new home that is not physically complete.

‘Authorised’ documents can include:-

• Guarantees or warranties.
• A Home Condition Report (a survey of the home commissioned by the vendor).
• Additional searches (mining, flood plains, radon gas, etc).

Authorised documents are those that the vendor can add voluntarily to their pack if they consider they might be of interest to potential purchasers. Interested buyers might be keen to know that there are guarantees in place for things such as recent roof overhaul, wall tie repairs, damp proof courses, rewires, new double glazing, etc.

If you have any of these which you feel will help ‘showcase‘ your home – we’ll be happy to add them to the pack.

The Home Condition Report (HCR) is considered by many to be the most important part of the HIP in terms of providing information to potential purchasers. An HCR is a detailed survey on the condition of the home carried out by a Licensed Home Inspector. It examines every part of the home from the chimney, roof, guttering, walls, right through to the bathroom fittings and heating system, and highlights any defects or faults in clear jargon free language.

We are Licensed Home Inspectors and can provide this service. An HCR will add about £200 to the cost of the HIP.