HIPs decision brings mixed views
But the announcement has generated a wealth of anti-Hip reaction, mostly condemning the spending of tax-payers money on holding trials on a product they are campaigning against, believing they won’t work or will harm the industry.
The anti-HIP lobby are also concerned about objectivity of the trials as they are to be carried out by people interested in their success.
Nick Salmon FNAEA, head of the anti-pack campaign, SPLINTA, said:
"We await full details of just how this huge sum of tax-payer money is going to be spent but we can immediately question why the government is ploughing our money into trials that are being run by a body that represents companies seeking to make vast profits from Hips.”
“There must be robust and independent scrutiny of these so-called trials to ensure objectivity."
The National Association of Estate Agents also has concerns about the trails being organised by pack providers.
Yvette Cooper pledged the £4 million of funding to support six area trials for the packs in Bath, Newcastle, Southampton, Northampton, Huddersfield and Cambridge in November 2006.
Sellers will be encouraged to take up voluntary HIPs and there will be independent monitoring to ensure lessons are learnt from first hand experiences.
Regional campaigns will run simultaneously to support the trials, raise awareness and encourage voluntary take up.
Comments
Dear Sir,
One association criticising another with their own vested interests at heart regardless of the customer (the buyer and purchaser) is worrying.
Surely it should be those democratically elected that make the decisions on HIPS and not the introspective belly button gazing minority.
Posted by: Terry Bradley | October 1, 2006 11:44 AM
Just some points to note:
1. Most people incld professionals are unaware that anyone can provide a HIP.you do not have to be a member of ahipp All that is required is that the package meets requirements is overseen by a competent solicitor and that an energy performance certificate is provided by a 'Home Inspector'(at present) 2. If rics surveyors were providing a feasible product allready there would be no need for a HCR but they are not. Current valuation reports are -as we all know- full of so many caveats as to make them worthless except for getting a mortgage and anything as detailed as the new HCR would be to expenseive for most.
3As the system evolves the probability is that the Home inspector will prrobably be able to provide a valuation within the HCR package.
3. The costs for training are extortionate and many trainees having paid on average 8000 (for new entrants) are very worried indeed.But that is the risk they take in a free market economy led by Tony Blair.
4. Why in this day and age does anyone pay attention to Estate agents is beyond me.How can they even justify their existance after 20 years of huge property value increases and thier fees for a product that has'nt changed. USE THE NET provide a HCR +HIP save thousands and wise up
Posted by: andy denton | October 16, 2006 10:46 PM