Following the delay and controversy surrounding the implementation of the Home Information Pack (HIP) in June, new regulations are now in force meaning that larger properties placed on the market for sale after 1 August will require a HIP.

Properties with 4 or more bedrooms being placed on the market after 1 August will require a HIP including the Energy Performance Certificate. Until 31 December, provided the HIP has been requested by the home owner, there will be no requirement for the full pack to be in place at the time the property is placed on the market.

HIPs for smaller properties will be introduced on a phased basis, but no timescales have yet been set. The main elements of the HIP are the Energy Performance Certificate, evidence of title and the local and water authority searches.

The residential property specialists at MacLachlan Solicitors are able to produce HIPs for sellers using the latest online systems. We have several options available for clients, including a Law Society approved deferred payment scheme to enable the costs of preparing the HIP to be taken from the sale proceeds rather than as an upfront cost to the seller at the time of marketing. For more information please contact one of our property specialists.