If you are planning to move home in the near future, there will be a radical change to the conveyancing process as Home Information Packs (HIPs) will become a legal requirement from 1st June this year. These packs have been the subject of much debate in the media recently and some estate agents are already promoting HIPs in their advertising. Once they are introduced it means that when deciding to buy a new home, you will have much more information to hand on which to base your decision, even before you go to view it.

The HIP will include a Property Statement which gives the name of the seller, the address of the property being sold, whether the property is freehold or leasehold, whether it is registered or unregistered and whether or not the property is being sold with vacant possession.

It will also include a copy of title to prove that the seller owns and is entitled to sell the property, together with a list of the fittings and fixtures that are included in the sale.

The HIP will contain a Home Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which tells you how energy efficient the property is and its impact on the environment. Just like electrical goods in your local retailer, these will be scored on a scale of A – G with A being the most energy efficient, and give you a good indication of the cost of fuel bills for the property. EPCs will also include advice on how to make further energy savings, and a guide to the cost of making such changes.

Other official reports in the HIP include land searches which will identify matters of interest to buyers, such as planning decisions and road building proposals. There will also be a search of the drainage and water services to the property.

The controversial Home Condition Report (HCR) will not be mandatory, but will remain an option. This report gives purchasers a clear idea of any structural work that may be required to the property, and while it will not replace the survey that mortgage companies require, it may place vendors who decide to include a HCR at a distinct advantage when potential purchasers are selecting properties to view.

So if you are proposing to sell your property what should you do?

You could put your property on the market before 1st June as the HIP will not be required. This will save you the cost of providing the HIP, but unless your house sells quickly, you may be at a disadvantage to those properties marketed after June as they will have an HIP including the Energy Performance Certificate.

Alternatively you could get ahead of other sellers by providing an EPC now. This is being encouraged by some estate agents to put their clients ahead of other sellers in the marketplace.

Whichever route you choose, we are now in a position to offer any potential seller a HIP as well as helpful legal advice on selling or buying a property. If you need any further advice on conveyancing or HIPs contact Debbie Matthews or Stephen Frith at Motley & Hope . Telephone Debbie or Stephen on 01767 600600 or e-mail debbiematthews@motleyandhope.co.uk or stephenfrith@motleyandhope.co.uk.