Sellers' Packs: Enter the HIP to a barrage of criticism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Home information packs (HIPs) came into force last week in England and Wales – initially only for properties with four or more bedrooms.
The sellers' packs, designed to speed up the housing chain, contain key details about a property, including title deeds, local searches and an energy performance certificate.
The original launch date for the scheme was 1 June, but this was put back because there were too few qualified inspectors to produce the "green" certificates. The packs also faced a legal challenge from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Although the initial rollout is limited to properties of a certain size, the Government plans to extend the scheme to all homes that are put on the market.
Critics have rounded on HIPs, citing a shortage of inspectors and the risk that information in the packs could go out of date. They also argue that the packs bring little benefit to consumers, and could have an adverse effect on the property market.
But housing minister Yvette Cooper (pictured) insists that housebuying will be faster with the packs – due to the requirement for information from the vendor at the outset. She said the energy performance certificates in the packs would also play a role in tackling climate change.
Mike Ockenden, from the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), said: "HIPs are finally here and should be welcomed by consumers, environmentalists and the industry alike."
Last Tuesday, the Office of Fair Trading warned estate agents that they could be put out of business if they fail to comply with HIP rules.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments