Home Information Packs ~ otherwise known as HIPS or ``seller's packs''.
A HIP is provided as supplementary data to the estate agent's sales
particulars by home sellers when marketing a house. The packs place
emphasis on an energy use assessment and contain some contract
preliminaries such as evidence of ownership. Property developers are
required to provide a HIP as part of their sales literature. Preparation is
by a surveyor, specifically trained in energy performance assessment.Compulsory Content ~- Index
- Energy performance certificate
- Sales statement
- Standard searches, e.g. LA enquiries, planning consents,
drainage arrangements, utilities providers - Evidence of title (ownership)
- Leasehold and commonhold details (generally flats and
maisonettes) - Property information questionnaire, to include flood risk, gas
and electricity safety, service charges, structural damage and
parking arrangements
Optional Content ~- Home condition report (general survey)
- Legal summary † terms of sale
- Home use and contents form (fixtures and fittings)
- Guarantees and warrantees
- Other relevant information, e.g. access over ancillary land
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ~ provides a rating between
A and G. A is the highest possible grade for energy efficiency and
lowest impact on environmental damage in terms of CO 2 emissions.
The certificate is similar to the EU energy label (see page 480 as
applied to windows) and it relates to SAP numerical ratings (see
page 477). The certificate is an asset rating based on a building's
performance relating to its age, location/exposure, size, appliance
efficiency e.g. boiler, glazing type, construction, insulation and
general condition.EPC rating (SAP rating) ~Ref. The Home Information Pack Regulations 2006.A (92†100) B (81†91) C (69†80) D (55†68)
E (39†54) F (21†38) G (1†20)
Communicating Information--HIPs