Home Information Pack (HIP)
Stoke-on-Trent
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

Home Information Pack (HIP)

A HIP is a set of documents that provides the buyer with key information on the property and must be provided by the seller or the seller's agent. It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and you can't market your property without one.
The HIP lets buyers see important information about the property at the start of the process, free of charge. This means there is less chance of buyers becoming aware of any surprises at the end of the process. The HIP can help reduce delays and extra expense to the buyer and seller.
Compulsory documents - The following documents must be included in your HIP:
The compulsory list of documents include a Home Information Pack Index, The new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ), from 6 April 2009, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA), Sustainability information (required for newly built homes), a Sale Statement, Evidence of Title and also includes Standard Searches (local authority and drainage and water)

Freehold properties

• Home Information Pack Index
• The new Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ), from 6 April 2009
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA)
• Sustainability information (required for newly built homes)
• Sale Statement
• Evidence of Title
• Standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)

Leasehold properties

• All the compulsory documents above
• A copy of the lease

Optional Documents - Other documents can be included within your HIP, but these are optional. If they are included, it could help to speed up the sale and ensure that the process goes more smoothly. These include:
These documents include a Home Condition Report, a Legal Summary and maybe a Home Use / Contents Form

• Home Condition Report
• Legal Summary
• Home Use / Contents Form
• Other documents like specialist searches (for example, the seller may choose to include a mining search in a mining area)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) were introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. EPCs are required whenever a building is built, sold or rented out. The certificate provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least, with the average up to now being 'D'. The EPC is part of a series of measures being introduced across Europe to reflect legislation which will help cut buildings carbon emissions and tackle climate change.
Accredited energy assessors and home inspectors produce Energy Performance Certificates alongside an associated report which suggests improvements to make a building more energy efficient.