The HIP contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know. HIPs including Energy Performance Certificates have now been implemented across all property transactions in England and Wales.

The Home Information Pack contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know.

Home Information Packs including Energy Performance Certificates have been implemented on a phased basis which started on 1 August 2007.

For sellers, the Government says providing a Pack upfront should reduce the likelihood of any nasty surprises in the selling process that could delay the sale, as buyers will be able to make more informed decisions about purchasing their home.

For buyers, the Pack provides essential information about properties they are considering buying, free of charge.

The following compulsory documents must be included in a HIP:

• Index
• Energy Performance Certificate
• Sale Statement
• Standard Searches, (Local Search and Drainage Search)
• Evidence of Title
• Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ)
• Copy Lease (if the property is leasehold)

Some documents in the HIP are optional, (i.e. if the property is either leasehold or commonhold). These include:

• Home Condition Report
• Legal Summary
• Additional Searches (Chancel Search, Environment search, Mining Search. etc.)
• Additional information for leasehold or commonhold sales, where appropriate, such as service charge details.