Home Information Packs (HIPs) were introduced on 1 August 2007. The introduction of the Pack means that all home owners in England and Wales selling there are required by law to have prepared a HIP at their own expense for potential sellers on request. This has to be done before putting their homes up for sale.

All the local search information required for HIPs is already available electronically through NLIS, via its three Licensed Channels .

For more information about Home Information Packs visit the Government's official website.

The Home Information Pack Regulations 2006 set out provisions on the "required” and "authorised” content of the Pack. Required documents must be included in the pack where appropriate and authorised documents may be included at the seller's discretion.

NLIS searches provide comprehensive information which will complement that of the Home Information Pack.

The required documents for a Home Information Pack* are:

An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack)

A sale statement (summarising terms of sale)

Evidence of title ***

Standard searches (i.e. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)***

An Energy Performance Certificate

Where appropriate, commonhold information (including a copy of the commonhold community statement)

Where appropriate, leasehold information (including a copy of the lease, information on service charges and insurance)

Where appropriate, a New Homes Warranty

Where appropriate, a report on a home that is not physically complete

A Home Condition Report**

The authorised documents include:

Guarantees and warranties

Other searches

 

* taken from the DCLG's website

** The Regulations will be amended so that as from 1 June 2007 the Home Condition Report will be an authorised part of the Pack.

*** NLIS searches provide this information

 

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