What's in a Pack
The content of the Pack for sales of new homes is broadly similar that for sales of second-hand properties. However, most new homes are sold 'off-plan', and this is taken into account where appropriate (see commentary on standard searches and the energy performance certificate below).
The required documents are:
- An index
- A sale statement
- Evidence of title
- Standard searches
- Energy Performance information
- Where appropriate, additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales.
Standard searches
These comprise:
- local searches (search of the local land charges register, additional enquiries of the local authority)
- standard drainage and water search
However, it is recognised that much of the information that would be contained in the full search will not be available when marketing starts, and that the information that is available often won't be site-specific.
The Regulations provide that the results of a search can be incomplete if the information is not available in any circumstances. These also enable a search to cover a complete development to be included, provided it covers the particular property (although we would strongly advise a search per property if this is practicable and the circumstances suggest that that this would produce a different result).
Energy Performance Certificates
An Energy Performance Certificate gives a building an asset rating that assesses the building's ability to be energy efficient. An Energy Performance Certificate will be required for all existing homes marketed for sale. You can find out more about Energy Performance Certificates on the Communities site here.
