When do you need them?

The revised Home Information Pack Regulations (laid before Parliament 11 June 2007) introduced HIPs on a phased basis from 1st August 2007. This means that anyone looking to market a home with 4 or more bedrooms after that date will need to compile a HIP such that relevant information about the property title, energy performance, planning permissions and general condition is readily available for prospective buyers.

On 17 August 2007 the Government announced that HIPs will be rolled out to three-bedroomed properties from 10 September 2007.

From 14 December 2007 that requirement was extended to all properties placed on the market after that date.

More detailed information about HIP contents and their introduction can be found at www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk

An integral part of the new arrangements is the facility for buyers and sellers to have access to an independent complaints handling and redress scheme where a dispute arises over the HIP. The Housing Act 2004 makes it mandatory for Estate Agents to join a scheme. The Secretary of State has appointed the Ombudsman for Estate Agents scheme as an approved redress scheme.

Members of the OEA and Non Members have already received letters about the registration process, the fee structure and the Key Feature document that describes the Ombudsman's approach to complaints handling.

Register for HIP Redress Scheme

Membership Enquiries 01722 424994

Consumer Information

Consumer Enquiries (Complaints handling arrangements) 01722 333306 (open 09.30hrs – 16.30hrs)

e-mail: admin@oea.co.uk

Consumer Enquiries (HIP General Matters) Consumer Direct 08454 040506

The following is information available on the Home Information Pack website:

HIPs Toolkit
A 'starter pack' of marketing materials for estate agents and others who may wish to promote HIPs. The Toolkit contains examples of leaflets and marketing materials along with a CD of files which can be used to produce your own HIP related promotional material.

Fast Facts Guide - for buyers and sellers

http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/industry/150_Marketing_material.html

Sample HIP
http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/industry/4_Publications.html