Hips rolled out but criticism continues

Home information packs (Hips) come into force today (August 1st) but the government continues to be criticised on both the way the scheme has been implemented and the contents of the packs themselves.

From today homes with four or more properties will require a Hip when they are put up for sale, but the Conservatives have said that the packs' lack of information on flood risks or nearby hazardous material is a major oversight.

Sian Berry of the Green Party, meanwhile, has said that the phased introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), a mandatory part of the Hip, showed that the government is "dragging its feet" when it comes to energy efficiency.

But the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has said that estate agents who do not comply with the new regulations face being banned, while the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) has hailed the introduction as a step forward for the industry.

"[Hips]are here to help improve the house buying and selling process for all involved – bringing vital information to the front of the process that, in the long term, will save consumers money as well as aiding a faster and more transparent process," AHIPP director general Mike Ockenden commented.


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