Introduction

A Home Information Pack (HIP) is now required for most homes put on the market with vacant possession on or after 14 December 2007. There are a few exceptions, including mixed use properties (such as a flat and shop being sold together), portfolio sales, or sales of properties with leases of less than 21 years.

Anyone marketing a property for sale in England and Wales - whether they are a housing developer, an estate agent or auctioneer, a private individual - is responsible for ensuring a HIP is in place and made available to prospective buyers.

HIPs are designed to bring information upfront to increase certainty and inform buyers about a property before they incur costs. Informed choice by buyers at the start of the process will help reduce delays later on and reduce wasted time for sellers.

This guide is for any business that provides HIPs. It describes what information is required, where it can be obtained and what the procedure is if consumers complain. For information for specific types of business, see our section on Home Information Packs.

What a Home Information Pack must contain

The following documents must be included in a Home Information Pack (HIP):

An index which lists documents contained in the HIP and provides a checklist for sellers, buyers, estate agents and enforcement authorities. The index must also state if a required document is not included and explain what steps are being taken to obtain it. The index must be updated whenever documents are added or removed.
A Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ), which is to be completed by the seller. The PIQ provides a helpful checklist for buyers of simple information they need to know about a property, before making any decision, including gas and electricity safety, flood risk information, previous structural damage, parking arrangements and a leasehold summary where appropriate.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) / Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA) which gives homeowners, tenants and buyers information on the energy and carbon emission efficiency of a property through an A - G grade rating, where A is very efficient and G is least efficient. The EPC also gives advice on cost effective ways to improve the rating. For new homes sold off-plan the requirement is to include a PEA, which should be replaced by a full EPC when the home is built.
A certificate or interim certificate (for new-builds) showing the sustainability of the home where it complies with the standards under the Code for Sustainable Homes or a nil-rated certificate where the property has not been assessed against the code. This will be available from the developer.
A sale statement that includes the name of the seller, property address, whether it is freehold, leasehold or commonhold, registered or unregistered, whether it is being sold with vacant possession and in what capacity the seller is selling the property (eg selling on behalf of a deceased owner).
Evidence of title documents that prove the seller owns and has the right to sell the property. If the property is registered, certain documents available from the Land Registry must be included in the HIP. These provide an official record of who owns the land and include official copies of the individual register (made up of a property register, proprietorship register and typically a charges register) and an official copy of the title plan. If the property is unregistered, the HIP must include copies of a certificate of an official search of the index map (obtained from the Land Registry), and the documents that the seller intends to rely on to provide evidence of title to the property and the right to sell it.
Standard searches including a search of the local land charges register and other records held by the local authority (regarding such issues as planning decisions and road building proposals) and details on the provision of drainage and water services to the property.
A copy of the lease or information about commonhold. See the page in this guide on information for leasehold and commonhold properties.

Optional documents

There are a number of optional documents which can be included in a HIP should the seller wish it, including:

a Home Condition Report which contains information about the physical condition of the property
a legal summary which provides a plain English explanation of the legal documents in the HIP
home contents form which provides information on fixtures, fittings and contents included in the sale
non-standard searches covering things like rights of way, ground stability, actual or potential environmental hazards and mining
other documents such as guarantees and warranties for maintenance and renovation work carried out
for leasehold properties, additional leasehold documents, such as information on service charges, ground rent and insurance, a summary of ongoing or proposed works or managing agent details