What is a HIP?
What is an EPC?
Where can I get a HIP?
How long will it take to produce a HIP?
What is the HIP Code?
Which homes need a HIP?


What is a HIP?

A HIP or a Home Information Pack is a collection of documents that is required when homes are marketed for sale to the public. Some documents are compulsory and others are optional (but only those documents permitted by the Government may be included).

The compulsory documents are also referred to as ‘required’ documents. The optional documents are sometimes called ‘authorised’ documents.

The compulsory documents are:

  • An Index (a list of the contents of the HIP)
  • An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • A Sale Statement (summarising the terms of the sale)
  • Evidence of Title (proof of ownership)
  • Standard Searches (local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
  • A copy of the Lease (where appropriate)

Optional documents may be included if the seller thinks they may help the buyer.

The optional documents include:

  • A Home Condition Report (HCR)
  • Guarantees and warranties
  • Other searches relevant to the particular area - eg a coal mining search
  • Leasehold/Commonhold Information (where appropriate)

Most home owners request Home Information Packs containing only the compulsory documents.


What is an EPC?

An EPC or Energy Performance Certificate gives a home two ratings:

  • how energy efficient a home is
  • what impact the home has on the environment

The ratings are graded A-G where A is the best. The most efficient homes should have the lowest fuel bills and least impact on the environment through carbon dioxide emissions.

Most homes in England and Wales fall into the bands D and E.

The EPC also includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency: to use less fuel and to be kinder to the environment.

A graph (similar to those found on new fridges and freezers) is included in the EPC showing the current grading of the house. The graph will also show the potential grade that could be achieved by following the recommendations.

The EPC graph is included in the HIP and in the sale particulars of the home. 


Where can I get a HIP?
You can arrange a HIP through a dedicated HIP provider like South Wales HIPs, an estate agent or a solicitor

It is generally cheaper to buy directly from a dedicated HIP provider.


How long will it take to produce a HIP?

A HIP can be produced in as little as 3 days but generally speaking most HIPS will be completed within 5-10 working days.

Delays can occur when the organisations holding the information required in the HIP are slow to respond, e.g. the Water Company or the Leasehold Management Company.


What is the HIP Code?

The HIP Code was introduced to deliver quality standards and a Code of Practice for Home Information Pack providers. It provides protection for homebuyers, sellers, estate agents, conveyancers and  mortgage lenders who rely on the information included in a Home Information Pack (HIP). 

The HIP Code is owned and maintained by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP).

The Property Codes Compliance Board maintains a register of all HIP providers who subscribe to the HIP Code. You can check whether a HIP provider subscribes to the Code by contacting the Property Codes Compliance Board at www.propertycodes.org.uk.

The requirements of the HIP Code include:

  • Prompt HIP production
  • Handling complaints fairly and speedily
  • Maintaining adequate levels of indemnity insurance to protect our customers
  • Ensuring that all our services comply with the relevant laws, regulations and industry standards
  • Advising customers of the costs involved in purchasing a HIP
  • Handling data with integrity and in line with Data Protection legislation
  • Keeping the customer informed where there are delays in providing a HIP
  • Internal auditing to ensure compliance with the Code
  • Ensure adequate staff training

Which homes need a HIP?

HIP regulations only apply to homes in England and Wales.

Most homes coming onto the open market from 14 December 2007 need to have a HIP. 

There are some homes which do not need a HIP. These include but are not limited to:

  • Homes which are not being sold on the open market and where no marketing is being undertaken (eg a private sale to a family member, a neighbour or a friend).
  • Seasonal accommodation and holiday homes which are not available to be lived in all year round
  • Homes being sold with permission to be demolished
  • Homes which are for sale without vacant possession
  • “Right to buy” sales of social housing
  • Homes which are part of a portfolio of properties being sold as a single unit
  • Leasehold homes with fewer than 21 years remaining on the lease