What does a HIP pack contain?
Once the initial teething problems have been resolved, all properties on the market in England and Wales requiring a Home Information Pack will come with the following documents:
Compulsory Documents
An Energy Performance Certificate - telling you how energy-efficient the property is and how much impact it has on the environment through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Both measurements are graded on a scale of A-G (A being the most efficient). This is issued by an accredited Energy Assessor and includes recommendations on how to improve the property’s performance to save you money and help the environment.
A Home Information Pack Index – a checklist of all the compulsory documents in the Pack, indicating if anything is missing and, if so, what steps are being taken to obtain it.
A sale statement – provides basic information about the property being sold. This includes its address; whether it’s freehold, leasehold or commonhold; registered or unregistered; and whether it’s being sold with vacant possession.
Standard searches – including the local land charges register; ‘local enquiries’, such as planning decisions and road building proposals; and the provision of drainage and water services to the property.
Evidence of title – proving that the vendor has the right to sell the property.
For leasehold and commonhold properties – in addition to the above, a copy of the lease; any rules and regulations; details of service charges, ground rent, reserve fund levy, insurance, and managing agents; the name and address of the current or proposed lessor; and a summary of works being undertaken or proposed that affect the property or the building in which it’s situated. Plus official copies of the individual register and title plan for the common parts and the commonhold community statement.
Optional Documents
Home Condition Report – contains information re the physical condition of the property, which sellers, buyers and lenders can rely on legally as an accurate report. It gives an idea of any structural work or repairs that needs to be done, which may hold up the sale at a later stage.
Legal summary – explaining the legal content of the Pack to help buyers understand the complex documents (although they should take their own legal advice as well).
Home use/contents form – includes information on boundaries, notices, services, sharing with neighbours, planning permissions ad any other matters that will be of interest.
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