Full-scale Hips launch 'would end market inequality'

The partially-complete launch of Home Information Packs (Hips) is furthering inequality in the housing market, the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has claimed.

The organisation has said that those looking to downgrade properties are being unfairly penalised by the current system, which makes Hips mandatory for homes with three or more bedrooms only.

First-time buyers are also missing out on ways to save money as a result, and consequently Hips should be extended to the rest of the market as soon as possible, AHIPP has added.

"For Hips to do their job properly they need to be rolled out to all properties up and down chains of transactions," claimed AHIPP director general Mike Ockenden.

"Not only will this speed up buying and selling for all consumers, but it is fair for all.

"Presently anyone selling a home with three or more bedrooms and buying a one or two bedroom home is penalised by having to pay for the information in a Hip on the sale and also on the purchase. Clearly this situation should be rectified as soon as possible," Mr Ockenden added.

Hips were launched on August 1st after initially being delayed for two months due to a lack of qualified Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs).


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