There has been much speculation recently about the introduction or otherwise of the Government led Home Information Packs (HIPs).

One of the main components of the HIP is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPCs) and, following agreement being reached with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Government announced that the implementation of HIPs and EPCs would take effect from 1 August.

It was also announced that towards the end of the year the Government would assess the implementation of HIPs and consider what further steps might be needed. That decision has now been made with the announcement that all properties, irrespective of the number of bedrooms, that are marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales, will require a Home Information Pack.   

For further information and to read the latest press notice, Ministerial statement and updated Q&A go to

http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/consumer

There you will find a number of sections including

• What's in a Home Information Pack
• Buying and Selling
• Energy Performance certificates and your home
• Getting a pack
• News and publications

Should they be required, a number of our Conveyancing partners are able to provide the necessary HIPs and EPCs. Please refer to that part of the site for further details.