Devon HIPs - Contents of a Home Information Pack
The compulsory documents included in a Home Information Pack (HIP) are as follows:
- An Index of the documents included in the pack and the dates they were obtained
- A Sales Statement giving details of the type of property and who the seller is.
- An Energy Performance Certificate which grades the energy efficiency of the property and lists any improvements which could be made to save money in the long run and to cut the energy consumption of the property.
- Details of the Title of the property.
- Local Search giving details such as planning decisions, road proposals, whether the property is in a conservation area etc.
- Water and Drainage Search giving details of the drains and pipes serving the property and whether it is connected to mains, the charging rates etc.
Devon HIPs - Searches
The Local Authority Search and Water and Drainage Search are compulsory documents in the Home Information Pack (HIP).
There are two types of Search: Official Searches and Personal Searches.
Official Searches are searches requested direct to the body in charge of that service i.e. the Local and County Council themselves and the Water provider e.g. South West Water. They provide more accurate and informative results and are guaranteed by the provider.
Personal Searches are carried out by third parties and may not include full information. We therefore recommend that, where possible, you have Official Searches in your HIP to reduce the risk of a hold up due to an inaccurate Search, once a buyer is introduced.
In addition, a Personal Search may not be acceptable to the Buyer’s Lender and the Buyer’s Solicitor who would have to undertake an Official Search with possible delays.
Brewer Harding & Rowe Conveyancing
If you instruct us to prepare the Home Information Pack (HIP) we can also commence the conveyancing process straightaway. We will assist in getting ready all the other information that will be needed by a buyer. This will reduce delay when a buyer is found. A full set of information can be issued and questions sorted out at an early stage.