What is a hip?

A Home Information Pack (hip) is a specific set of documents prescribed by legislation which must be made available when a residential property is marketed for sale.

A pack is required to contain:-

• A Property Information Questionnaire
  
  This is completed by the Seller and contains replies to set enquiries on matters affecting the property including parking arrangements, services and alterations. There are further questions for leasehold properties including details of the lease, rent and service charges.
  
  
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  
  This is produced following a visit by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) to the property.
  
  The DEA will rate the property’s present energy efficiency and its impact on the environment using a scale from A to G. It will also provide recommendations to improve the ratings and indicate the likely benefits to the ratings within the EPC.
  
  We understand that the average energy ratings appearing in EPCs for the typical residential property are currently between bands D and E.
  
  
• A Sale Statement
  
  This provides details of the Seller, the property to be sold and identifies the property title.
  
  
• Evidence of the Seller’s title.
  
  For the majority of registered freehold houses, this will comprise an Official Copy Title Register and Plan obtained from the Land Registry.
  
  For leasehold houses and flats a copy of the lease should also be provided.
  
  For properties not registered at the Land Registry, copies of relevant title documents should be provided together with a Land Registry certificate confirming that the property is not registered.
  
  
• Conveyancing Searches
  
  Prescribed enquiries of the local authority and the water company serving the property must be provided