Under current legislation all properties marketed for sale must have a HIP completed.
In order to keep the costs to a minimum Gemini Estates have entered into an agreement with Property Search Group.
Who are the Property Search Group?
PSG (Property Search Group) was founded in 1997 to provide local searches to the conveyancing market. Our ability to turn around searches quickly along with our reputation for accuracy and competitive pricing has seen us grow to become the market leader with 84 offices across England and Wales.
We currently carry out over 340,000 searches a year - this means we are involved in 1 in 4 property transactions in the UK - servicing the conveyancing needs of over 4,000 solicitors.
Providing a complete HIP solution was a natural extension of our search business. We enjoy established relationships with your local authority and have been an integral part of the Government's HIP trials, so you are assured that when we promise something; we have the experience and expertise to deliver on time, every time.
Our Credentials
We have the knowledge and expertise to safeguard your profitability and hard earned reputation. Moving house is a very stressful experience. Make the process as smooth as possible and people will go out of their way to recommend you (and use you again when they move in the future). That's why we won't commit to deadlines that cannot be achieved. We get it right first time, every time, helping you provide the best possible service to your clients.
• Members of the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Working Party
• Members of the Personal Search Working Group
• Associate Members of the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).
• Founders of Association of Personal Property Searchers (APPS)
• Members of Association of HIP Providers (AHIPP)
• Signatories to the HIP Providers' Code
• Signatories
www.thehipalliance.com
Frequently Asked Questions
With any new offering there are lots of grey areas and especially with HIPs as they have been talked about for a long time. We would like to help you get to grips with what it is all about - and here are some questions for you to consider.
What's in the HIP pack?
When will HIPs become compulsory?
How long will the complete Home Information Pack be valid for?
Do you have to wait until all of the 'required' components of the Home Information Pack are available before a property can be marketed?
Do all properties need a HIP?
Who will order the HIP?
Who will compile the HIP?
How will PSG provide the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Home Condition Report (HCR)
How will it be delivered?
What's in the HIP pack?
There are two parts to a HIP: the required components and the authorised components. The required components are compulsory; the authorised components can be included at the seller's discretion but add value to prospective buyers in terms of providing additional reassurance.
Required components are:
• An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack)
• An Energy Performance Certificate or a Predicted Energy Assessment)
• A sale statement
• Evidence of title & title plan or evidence of a Search of the Index Map (SIM)
• Standard searches ( Local Enquires & Drainage and Water enquiries)
• Where appropriate, common hold/leasehold information
When will HIPs become compulsory?
HIP’s are being phased in England and Wales during 2007 as follows.
• 1st August 2007 most properties with 4 bedrooms and above require a HIP.
• 10th September for properties with 3 bedrooms.
• 14th December 1 and 2 bedroom properties will require a HIP
How long will the complete Home Information Pack be valid for?
The Home Information Pack is valid whilst the home is continuously marketed for sale. Regulations allow for a period where the property might be taken off the market whilst, for example it is under offer or to allow a seller to change agents.
Do you have to wait until all of the 'required' components of the Home Information Pack are available before a property can be marketed?
No, up to 31st May 2008 you will be allowed to market your property as soon as you have commissioned your HIP- rather than waiting until you receive it.
Do all properties need a HIP now?
HIP’s are being phased in England and Wales during 2007 as follows:
• 1st August 2007 most properties with 4 bedrooms and above require a HIP.
• 10th September for properties with 3 bedrooms.
• 14th December 1 and 2 bedroom properties will require a HIP
The exceptions (for this size of property) are as follows:
• Non-residential premises
• Mixed commercial and residential premises
• Sales of seasonal and holiday accommodation
• Sales of tenanted properties
• Private sales where the property is not marketed
• Unsafe (uninhabitable) properties and properties for demolition
• Sales of portfolios of properties
• New homes built to Part L of the 2006 Building regulations will be excluded from the HIP duties until April 2008
Who will order the HIP?
We see a number of potential customers, ranging from estate agents, solicitors, developers and IFAs, through to corporate chains, introducers and Lenders. In the fullness of time when the market has settled the seller themselves may order the HIP direct.
Who will compile the HIP?
PSG will compile, via a web based browser system that will enable local production and delivery through or local office network.
How will PSG provide the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Home Condition Report (HCR)?
We will provide through three routes:
• In-house
• Local arrangement with local Domestic Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors as part of TheHIPAlliance
• HIP Force - PSG's own team of Home Inspectors
How will it be delivered?
A flexible solution to best suits the needs of the particular client. We will not prescribe the delivery route but will work with you to offer the most appropriate service for you.
How Much Will It Cost?
Current costs are £345.00 if your property is Freehold and £375.00 if your property is Leasehold.
When Do We Pay?
Payment methods may vary but currently you can either pay for your Hip upfront or can take advantage of our differed payment scheme. Full details are available upon request.