Overview of HIPS
Back in 2002, the European Unions directive commission issued a new ruling that is supposedly due to become official law and legislation throughout every member state of the EU.
It is titled the EU directive 2002/91/EC and is designed to help cut down energy use throughout the whole of Europe, which will hopefully have a positive effect on global warming worldwide.
Its official title in the United Kingdom is Home Information Pack, or HIPS for short and from 1st June 2007 it is law to have one before you actual put your property up for sale. No form of marketing can be undertaken until you have the full documentation available for potential buyers to peruse.
In layman's terms, it is a report so energy efficiency on the property is available, much similar to the ratings you get on white goods like fridges, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers.
The full home information pack will contain:
- Terms of the sale;
- Evidence of the title;
- Copies of any planning permission, listed building status and building regulations consents and approvals;
- Copies of warranties and guarantees, for new properties;
- Guarantees for any work carried out on the property, i.e. Double glazing, electrical installations, roofing work
- Local search replies;
- An energy performance certificate.
A Home Condition Report will be provided on a voluntary basis and included as an 'authorised' document.
Home Condition Report and Energy Report Certificate
The two new factors making this a new part of selling your home are the
Home Condition Report
Energy Report Certificate
The Home Condition Report has been developed by the UK government and will assist ruling bodies such as the Royal Institute of Charted surveyors. It highlights any defects in the building, the style and location of the property and its general condition compared against its age.
The Energy Report Certificate will enable potential buyers to see, if any, which or what energy saving promotions have been undertaken on the property, e.g. New energy efficient boilers installed, double glazing etcetera.
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