Home Information Packs - HIPs Durham
Making the Home Information Pack work for you
We specialise in compiling premium home information packs specifically for properties marketed in Durham and its surrounding areas.
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The best way to contact us is via this form or email info@durhamhips.co.uk
Alternatively you can telephone us on 0191 3718467 or 07595 024559
Home Information Packs
Home information packs were introduced from 1st August 2007 to provide more information about a property at the start of the home buying and selling process.
A property cannot be put on the market until a ‘basic’ HIP is available with the following documents:
- An index, which lists the documents included in the pack.
- A property information questionnaire (PIQ), which is completed by the seller and covers a range of information about the property such as the council tax band, parking arrangements and details of any alterations made to the building.
- An energy performance certificate (EPC), which is issued by an energy assessor and indicates how energy efficient a home is. The report includes recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of the home, which a buyer of the property may wish to implement.
- A sale statement indicating the name of the seller and whether the property is freehold or leasehold.
- Evidence of the title to prove the seller owns the property. This is usually gained through documentation from the Land Registry
Durham HIPs Ltd. aim to issue a ‘basic’ HIP, with all the above, required documents within 48 hours.
As soon as a ‘basic’ HIP is ready we make it available for download through this website. We notify you and your nominated estate agent (if you are using one) and provide the necessary ID code to access the HIP documentation. At this point marketing of the property can begin.
The following documents are added to both our Standard and Enhanced HIPs as soon as they become available:
- A local authority search, which contains important information about traffic schemes, planning and building decisions that might affect the property.
- A drainage and water search provided by the local water authority.
- In the case of leasehold properties, a copy of the lease.
- For unregistered properties, documents showing proof of title.
In the case of our Enhanced HIPs the following documents are also added:
- A coal authority search. A buyer’s solicitor or conveyancer will insist on seeing a search by the coal authority if the property is in the Durham area. Usually a buyer would pay for this but to speed up the transaction process we include one in every enhanced pack.
- A home contents form. This form outlines specifically what is and what is not included in the sale of the property including furniture, fittings and appliances. The home contents form will be expected to be completed before the house is sold; completing it now avoids delay later and prospective buyers are clear from the outset what is included in the asking price. Our enhanced packs include this document too.
Once all the documents have been received, which must be within 28 days, the HIP is completed. The ‘complete’ HIP replaces the ‘basic’ HIP on our website. We notify the estate agent of the new status of the HIP while you receive your own electronic copy on USB flash drive. If an Enhanced HIP has been ordered, a printed copy is also supplied.
