NAEA in fresh Hips attack

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has added its voice to criticism of the government over the introduction of the home information pack scheme after the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) came under fire from a parliamentary committee yesterday.

NAEA chief executive Peter Bolton King said the organisation had consistently opposed Hips and believed it was "detrimental to the market and consumers".

He also said it was confusing to hear DCLG spokesman Peter Housden stating that "market conditions" had prompted the delay in the introduction of the scheme, which was originally due to start on June 1st last year, when the previous explanation had been a lack of inspectors.

Hips, which were finally phased in between August and December 2007, include energy performance certificates.

Those looking to self build their homes may wish to be mindful to ensure their residences will meet the performance levels set out in the certificates.

The House of Commons Communities and Local Government committee claimed yesterday that the DCLG had delayed the introduction of Hips due to media and political pressure.


© Adfero Ltd