HIP - latest news and developments

Home Information Packs are currently being promoted in approximately 20 areas in local press and radio as well as national trade press. The Government will start advertising Home Information Packs in the general national press towards the end of March.

Adverts will appear in national and regional newspapers, consumer magazines, as well as online on property and property search websites. The campaign will run up to and beyond HIPs going live on 1 June. A similar campaign aimed particularly at estate agents will also be getting underway.

1st March 2007

Whitehall confirm the go ahead for HIPS on the 1st June this year

Despite some observers suggestions that there may be a delay in the implementation of HIPS in the UK, Whitehall have announced that the changes will "go live" as planned on the 1st June.

The Law Society have set up a Task Force to provide focus for the industry but many law firms remain uncertain about the forthcoming changes.

There will be a period of grace (transitional period) during which time certain measures and obligations within the HIP itself will not be rigidly enforced. The industry is likely to be on a steep learning curve through 2007/2008.

Dry run pilot is launched in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The Law Society urges solicitors to engage with the forthcoming changes.

More than 150 organisations have applied to test the voluntary scheme introduced in the Tyne & Wear area. There are also further pilots being run in the Huddersfield, Southampton, Bath and Cambridge areas.

Solicitors have been urged to participate fully to keep a foothold in the market. The HIP legislation is causing concern for the legal industry who fear losing large amounts of business to estate agents or local specialist conveyancer teams.

21st September 2006

The Government today announced further plans for the introduction of Home Information Packs. The main points:

Confirmation that HIPs will be introduced on 1 June next year and they will include mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), searches and other legal documents and voluntary Home Condition Reports.
£4 million has been pledged to support area trials, working in partnership with AHIPP. The first 6 will be in Bath, Newcastle, Southampton, Northampton, Huddersfield and Cambridge and will start in November.
SAVA is currently going through the approval process to become the first Certification Scheme for Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors.

Source ODPM

21st July 2006

The Government have drastically altered the plans for roll out of the HIPs in the UK. The Home Condition Report will not be part of the mandatory requirements from June 2007. From the official Govmt website:

The Government today announced plans for the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates as part of the phased roll-out of Home Information Packs to help consumers cut costs and waste when buying a home and help the environment too.

However on the basis of detailed consultations with industry and the latest market and testing information, the government has decided to phase the roll out of other aspects of Home Information Packs, introducing the rest of Home Condition Reports on a market-led basis in the first instance, in order to ensure a smooth implementation with clear benefits for consumers.

12th July 2006

Daily Mail article - doom & gloom for the future of Home Information Packs. According to Kirsty Allsop presenter of Location, Location, Location.

"Controversial plans to require householders to provide information packs when they sell their homes risk destabilising the housing market, the Government was warned today."

Source - The Daily Mail

9th July 2006

Which? the consumer group fightsback at negative industry mis-information regarding hips.

"Whilst certain industries may have pocketed millions out of the current process, it's safe to say that many of us have found the process far from perfect. The time has come to try to fix this mess, and the Hip is the perfect way to start" says Nick Stace from the group.

Source - The Observer

01 June 2006

The Law Society raises fresh concerns over the implementation of HIPs and lack of public awareness.

From the Law Society website:

"New research published today shows most people are totally ignorant of the biggest ever shake-up of the property market, which is only one year away.

Sixty-four per cent of people questioned by ICM have never heard of the term ’home information pack’ (HIP). Only one in three people who are aware of HIPs realises that the packs will contain important legal documents – including title documents and local searches.

Trustworthiness was the most important factor in choosing a HIP provider. Fifty-seven per cent of respondents said they would be most likely to trust a solicitor to prepare the pack, and 70 per cent said they would rely on their solicitor to interpret the information contained in the HIP"

Source Law Society

24 May 2006

Minister challenges industry to reduce waste and risks for home buyers and sellers

Property businesses are being encouraged to sign up to take part in a dry run for Home Information Packs to speed up the benefits for consumers – Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said today.

Further quotes from the minister:

“Over 150 organisations have said they are interested in joining the next stage of the dry run this autumn and 49 have already signed up. It’s an invaluable opportunity to test and improve the service they can offer to consumers.

The level of positive interest and involvement we are receiving so early on in the HIP initiative should worry those who are dragging their feet. Miss this moment and they risk being left behind by a fast changing market.”

Source ODPM

7 April 2006

Home Information Pack activity accelerates

ODPM News Release 2006/0085

Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper today set out details of a dry-run prior to introducing Home Information Packs (HIPs) on 1 June 2007.

The Government has said that all aspects of the Packs need to be tried and tested through a dry run before becoming mandatory on 1 June next year.

Source ODPM

16 March 2006

Government Timeline for Home Information Pack Reform published ODPM News Release 2006/0048

The timetable for the programme of implementation of HIPs in England & Wales was today set out by the Government. The live launch of 1st June 2007 was confirmed.

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