Plans to expand ‘Hips’

31 July 2008

Government announces plans to include more details in home information packs (Hips)

The government announced earlier this week that it had plans to expand home information packs (Hips) so that they contain even more information for prospective buyers.

Part of the proposal is for Hips to include a ‘property information questionnaire’ (PIQ) which would aim to give buyers more information about the property they were interest in.

The PIQ would contain information about building work carried out on the property in the past, and also details on council tax banding, utilities connected to the property and parking provisions.

The PIQ has been developed to make it easier for sellers to fill in without needing to hire a professional to help, said the government. However, it added that the PIQ was not intended to replace the work done by conveyancers and other property professionals.

The government hopes that the inclusion of the PIQ will help to reduce the number of issues, which could cause delays or cause sales to fall through, surfacing further on in the buying process.

Under the plans, PIQs would be available from Hip provider and also online, and would be compulsory.

The plans will undergo a consultation until the end of September. If the consultation is successful, the PIQ will be introduced from January 1 next year.

Caroline Flint, the housing minister, said: “Having the right information about a property at the beginning of the homebuying process is essential if we are to reduce delays and cut down on wasted costs for both buyers and sellers.

“Hips are an important first step in achieving greater efficiency and the PIQ will only improve on this, ensuring the buying and selling process is simpler for all.”