26
Mar
2009
New legislation will put HIPs firmly in the hands of consumers – says AHIPP
From 6th April this year, every home must have a HIP in place – not just ordered – before it can be put on the market. Vendors will also now be required to complete a new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) detailing important pre-sale information such as the home’s council tax band, parking arrangements, utilities and any structural alterations – vital when deciding to make an offer.
Not only will the new PIQ provide buyers with further, upfront information about their possible new home, but it will significantly increase the number of consumers viewing the HIP, according to the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP).
Mike Ockenden, Director General, AHIPP comments:
“Finally we will see HIPs getting into buyers’ hands. There is already evidence that HIPs have helped to speed up the conveyancing process. However, one of the key challenges we have faced as an industry is consumer apathy. While every home on the market has had a HIP since December 2007, a recent CLG report has indicated that so far, only 40% of buyers even saw the HIP for the home they eventually purchased, and this needs to change.
“HIPs provide buyers with a great deal of important information that should be taken into consideration before making an offer, from the home’s energy efficiency to local search information. Following the launch of the PIQ, the level of upfront information available in the HIP will increase and we expect to see more buyers asking to see a home’s HIP. The reality is that most of those selling a home will be buying a home too and if they have competed a PIQ for their own property, they are more likely to ask to see the PIQ for any properties they plan to purchase.”
As vendors play an increasingly involved role in the HIP process, AHIPP warns consumers that they need to act quickly and efficiently to ensure they do not delay the marketing of their own home. Completing the required PIQ and allowing Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) into the property to conduct the necessary Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as quickly as possible will be essential to ensure smooth and seamless process.
Ockenden, adds:
“Our members are turning HIPs round in an average of five days. As a result, this new legislation is unlikely to delay consumers looking to sell their home. However, with vendors playing an increasingly important role in the HIP compilation process it is essential that they are provided with the necessary information and are made aware that their PIQ must be completed before their home can be marketed.
“The majority of our members are offering a PIQ completion service to assist vendors with the form. To avoid any delays, anyone planning to put their home on the market post 6th April should ensure their agent is offering access to such a service.”
A sample of the PIQ can be found at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/doc/propertyinfoquestion…
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)
4
Feb
2009
Property Information Questionnaire regulations
The following is a link to the regulations that were laid in parliament on 21st January in respect of the PIQ: The Home Information Pack (Amendment) Regulations 2009 No. 34
Further information can be found at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/buyingselling/homeinformation/
10
Dec
2008
AHIPP welcomes clarity on HIPs
The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) today welcomed the clarity that the Government has provided to all parties in respect of the HIP regulations. By addressing the loose ends that were outstanding with the transitional arrangements property professionals can plan for the spring with certainty.
Mike Ockenden, Director General of AHIPP, said ‘The introduction of the Property Information Questionnaire when coupled with the expiry of the first day marketing provisions means that consumers will become much more engaged in the HIP process and be better able to judge the value that they bring to buying and selling homes. AHIPP and its members are committed to delivering the benefits of HIPs both in making buyers much better informed about the houses they are viewing and streamlining the legal process through the roll-out of ‘exchange ready’ packs.
3
Jan
2008
AHIPP comments on the Communities and Local Government Annual Report released today
Mike Ockenden, Director General, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), comments on the Communities and Local Government Annual Report released today:
“The CLG Select Committee report issued today clearly supports the message that AHIPP consistently emphasised over the latter months of 2007- that the roll out of HIPs could have happened far quicker than actually occurred. We cannot change the past, however and with HIPs clearly not having the detrimental impact on the market that many forecast, it is time to move on.
“Now that the full roll out is completed, we look forward to working with Government and other stakeholders on improving the pack to make it ‘exchange ready’. This means that a buyer who has an offer accepted can pass the pack to his or her lawyer who can rely on the contents and move quickly to exchange of contracts.
“In particular this must include making the Home Condition Report (HCR) mandatory. Ministers have repeatedly said that if the voluntary take up of HCRs is not effective then it remains on the table to make them mandatory. HCR take up has been minimal on a voluntary basis and Ministers now need to deliver on their assurance to make them mandatory within a HIP.”