The position in relation to Home Information Packs, or HIPs for short, is unclear.

The current position is that from 1st August 2007 all homes with four or more bedrooms must have one. If you are unsure about what you need to do, why not ask Mark Cook Solicitors? We specialise in offering expert friendly legal advice on HIPs as well as Conveyancing.

What is in the Home Improvement Pack?
The pack contains important information that buyers and sellers can use to help improve and speed up the home buying and selling process.

It is uncertain exactly what will be needed in a HIP but it is likely to be as follows

Compulsory items are:

Energy Performance Certificate
Information about how energy efficient your home is.

Searches
This part includes the local land charges register and local enquiries. This will highlight things like planning decisions and road building proposals.

Evidence of title.
These documents prove that you own your property and therefore have the right to sell it.

Optional items are:

Home Condition Reports
This contains information about the physical condition of the property.

Legal Summary
The pack contains some complex documents that can be difficult to understand. This document will explain them for you and your buyer.

Home Use / Contents Forms
These include documentation on boundaries, notices, services, shared areas with neighbours, planning permissions and other information of interest to potential buyers. Also included can be information about fixtures and fittings or other contents that may be included or excluded from the sale.

As a temporary measure you will be entitled (until the end of 2007) to put your home on the market as soon as you commission a HIP rather than having to wait until the complete HIP is ready

For an estimate of costs or to arrange a free no-obligation consultation, why not call 0191 567 7244, or email us at  mark@cooklaw.co.uk

We also deal with Conveyancing, Commercial Property, Personal Injury Compensation, Wills Probate and Inheritance Tax (formerly known as Death Duties).

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