RICS Briefing on Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates
This briefing is RICS’ interpretation of the CLG announcement. We will continue to seek CLG clarification on issues that remain unclear.

Any members with further queries should address them to RICS and we will seek to answer them.

This briefing covers the new measures announced by the UK government on 22 November 2007 concerning Home Information Packs and reiterates earlier guidance on key aspects of HIP and EPC legislation.

Studios, one and two bed properties
The Government has announced the roll out of Home Information Packs (HIPs) to all existing residential properties being sold in England and Wales.

From 14 December 2007 properties being marketed for sale must have a HIP.

First day marketing
The provision for first day marketing has been extended to 1 June 2008, meaning that a property can be marketed without a HIP provided one has been requested.

Obligation to have a HIP
The obligation to have a HIP arises once the person responsible obtains an EPC.

The EPC must be provided to the prospective purchaser before exchange in any event, but your efforts to obtain the EPC should be ongoing throughout the process, including:

• before the property is put on the market;
• within 28 days of the property being put on the market; and
• on a continuing basis thereafter.

Once the EPC is available the HIP must be provided as soon as possible.

Drop dead date
Government has said it will "assess the need for a drop dead date in the light of experience in the market".

This means that there is now no date by which all properties on the market, regardless of when they were first marketed, will need a HIP.

Leasehold information
A temporary provision has been introduced to require the lease document itself to be included within the HIP, but for the rest of the information on the lease may be provided in the current manner - in practice usually at the request and expense of the purchaser.

From 1 June 2008 the rest of the lease information will be required to be included within any new HIP.

Further information
For further information please contact Colette Best e cbest@rics.org.