Solicitors and conveyancers
The duty to provide a Pack falls on the person responsible for marketing the property (usually an estate agent). However, the information provided in the Pack is of great use to conveyancers and solicitors, and you will want to be aware of the contents of the Pack and the authority of the information contained in the documents such as evidence of title, local authority and drainage and water searches and key leasehold documents where appropriate.
The introduction of HIPs is already starting to reduce costs and improve transparency in the housing market. More than 85 local authorities have reduced their search costs, in some cases by more than £100.
The average pack is taking around 7 - 10 days to compile, with major estate agents charging in the region of £300 plus VAT for a HIP, on an upfront or deferred basis - £200 to £250 of which is already paid under the current system.
Key documents
- Local Authority Searches - Guidance Note (PDF)
- Regulations and the conveyancing process FAQs (PDF)
- Law Society Guidance
- Good practice and guidance for local authorities and personal searchers
CLG and the Energy Savings Trust have produced a short guide for householders in England and Wales on ways to cut down on energy bills and the financial support available for implementing energy efficiency measures in their homes. This includes the support available for acting on recommendations in the EPC.
- Financial support - help with improving your home's energy efficiency (PDF 2MB) - February 2008
Multiple hardcopies can be ordered free by emailing communities@twoten.com quoting product code: EST/HIP/08.
