Mortgages

The government have introduced Home Information Packs (HIPs) to improve the process of buying and selling a home. By providing buyers with essential information about a property before they make an offer, the likelihood of any nasty surprises is reduced.

All home owners in England and Wales need to request a HIP before putting their home up for sale. The pack contains:

• Index of contents
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Searches and legal documents including evidence of title and a sale statement.

The pack can also contain a Home Condition Report, if you request one (additional costs apply), which gives a clear indication of what work, if any, needs to be done to the property.

How do I get a Home Information Pack?

All you need to do is speak to a Britannia staff member at any one of our branches, or give us a call on 0808 1566 696#.

We'll ask you for contact and property details, which then allows us to make the necessary arrangements with specialist solicitors to get everything moving quickly.

You'll be contacted by the solicitor who will take you through the process, agree payments and give you a chance to raise any queries you might have. The solicitor will ensure that the key documents required to put your property on the market are provided quickly.

Does all this delay putting my house on the market?

The HIP contains many documents and getting everything together can take time, particularly if leasehold properties are involved and where information will be required from the Landlord or Managing Agent. If you are using an estate agent to sell your property, they will need a number of key documents from your HIP before they can offer your property for sale. Our specialist Solicitors can deliver these directly to your estate agent as well as making an electronic copy available to them to avoid any delays. The rest of the HIP will then follow shortly afterwards.

How much will it cost?

A standard HIP (excluding optional Home Condition Report) will cost £399.50 (including VAT) and contains all of the documents under the new regulations to sell your home. This covers most properties of value or tenure (Freehold, Leasehold, Commonhold, Unregistered property).

The only exceptions are those selling substantial homes/estates or where there is an agricultural element, therefore requiring an individually tailored Home Information Pack. Our specialist solicitors will be happy to discuss individual requirements and pricing with you.

Can I have an optional Home Condition Report as well?

Yes - and when requested at the same time, they will be presented as a single security bound document. The cost of the Home Condition Report is £411.25 (including VAT), which includes an Energy Performance Certificate.

The HIP also contains an Energy Performance Certificate, and so when requesting both documents at the same time, you will only be charged and provided with one. The combined Home Information Pack and Home Condition Report costs £681.50 (including VAT).

Need More Information?

If you need more information about your Home Information Pack, please ask a member of staff. General information can be obtained from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) who have a dedicated website at www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk . #Lines open 8am-8pm Mon-Fri and 9am-1pm Sat. Calls from landline phones are free however mobile providers may charge. Calls may be recorded and/or monitored.