HOME INFORMATION PACKS

Home Information Packs ~ otherwise known as HIPS or ``seller's packs''. A HIP is provided as supplementary data to the estate agent's sales particulars by home sellers when marketing a house. The packs place emphasis on an energy use assessment and contain some contract preliminaries such as evidence of ownership. Property developers are required to provide a HIP as part of their sales literature. Preparation is by a surveyor, specifically trained in energy performance assessment.

Compulsory Content ~

• Index
• Energy performance certificate
• Sales statement
• Standard searches, e.g. LA enquiries, planning consents, drainage arrangements, utilities providers
• Evidence of title (ownership)
• Leasehold and commonhold details (generally flats and maisonettes)
• Property information questionnaire, to include flood risk, gas and electricity safety, service charges, structural damage and parking arrangements

Optional Content ~

• Home condition report (general survey)
• Legal summary † terms of sale
• Home use and contents form (fixtures and fittings)
• Guarantees and warrantees
• Other relevant information, e.g. access over ancillary land

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ~ provides a rating between A and G. A is the highest possible grade for energy efficiency and lowest impact on environmental damage in terms of CO2 emissions. The certificate is similar to the EU energy label (see page 480 as applied to windows) and it relates to SAP numerical ratings. The certificate is an asset rating based on a building's performance relating to its age, location/exposure, size, appliance efficiency e.g. boiler, glazing type, construction, insulation and general condition.

EPC rating (SAP rating) ~