The government has introduced Home Information Packs (HIPs) in England and Wales to improve the home-buying process.
Home Information Packs including Energy Performance Certificates were introduced on a phased basis starting from 1 August 2007.
Communities and Local Government (CLG) further announced that all homes marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales now require a Home Information Pack.
The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate, containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title. This is the first stage of Home Information Packs.
These pages are designed to inform people on the changes that are taking place in the home buying and selling process, and provide a broad overview of what is happening with government and industry.
As a home owner you will find it beneficial to include a Home Condition Report to your HIP. The Home Condition Report is a ‘health check’ on your property. It can help speed up the sale and provide a competitive advantage over other properties.
If a gas appliance is installed or replaced in your property by a CORGI registered installer they should provide the details of their work to CORGI. CORGI will then send you a certificate that you can keep for your Home Condition Report. The certificate provides evidence that the work you have had carried out on your home has been carried out by a competent person and meets relevant standards. If Building Regulations are applicable the certificate will provide evidence that the work meets Building Regulations and has been appropriately notified to Local Authority Building Control. You will receive from CORGI either a Declaration of Safety Certificate or a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. You can request a copy of a certificate from CORGI.
Using a CORGI registered tradesperson who is a member of the CORGI Competent Persons Scheme is your assurance that you will receive a certificate whilst also providing peace of mind regarding the safety and standards of the work.
For more information on the Home Information Packs, their contents and the key stakeholders affected by the reform of the housing market visit the HIPs website:
www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk
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