Frequently Asked Questions

Buyers Questions

Sellers Questions

Sellers Questions

If you're selling a private residential property on the open market, you will normally need a HIP. There are exceptions though - you do not need a HIP for:

• properties where there is no marketing (e.g. where you are selling to a member of your family)
• non-residential properties
• properties limited by law to use as holiday accommodation or occupation for less than 11 months per year
• mixed sales (e.g. a shop with flat above)
• right to buy and similar sales
• sales of portfolios of properties
• properties not being sold with completely vacant possession
• unsafe properties and properties to be demolished

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What about new builds?

You do have to provide a HIP for new build properties and properties under construction. For details of what needs to be provided for a new build, please call us.

I'm selling my house privately - do I need a Home Information Pack?

If you are marketing your property (even if it's just by putting a 'for sale' sign in the window) you need a HIP. Sales where no marketing takes place (e.g. to a member of the family) won't need a Pack.

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Who pays for the Pack?

As a seller you are responsible for the cost of a Home Information Pack. js law is able to offer deferred payment terms to assist with the initial cost.  Please contact us for details.

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My house has been on the market since before HIPs were introduced. If I change Estate Agents now, do I have to get a HIP?

If your house has not been taken off the market (i.e. continuous marketing has occurred), then no, you will not need to commission a HIP.

If however, there was a break in marketing you will need to supply a HIP.

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Why do you need a HIP?

It is a legal requirement to have a HIP and marketing should not start on your property until you (or your Estate Agent) commissions your HIP.

The HIP lets buyers see important information on the property at the start of the process, free of charge

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The HIP is made up of ‘required’ (compulsory) and ‘authorised’ (optional) items.
There shouldn't be any marketing or advertising material in the pack, so make sure it contains official information only.

Listed below are all the compulsory documents that need to be included:

• Home Information Pack Index
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• sustainability information (required for newly built homes only)
• sale statement
• evidence of title
• standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)
• leasehold/commonhold documents (where appropriate)

The pack may also include other (authorised) documents such as a Home Condition Report, an environmental or flood risk search and other information that would be of interest to a potential buyer as defined in the regulations.

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How long does a Home Information Pack last?

The HIP lasts until the property is sold.

Some documents can be no more than three months old when marketing starts, but there is no obligation to update Home Information Packs as long as the property remains on the market. In addition to this, no component of the Home Information Pack should be more than 12 months old on the day the property goes on sale.

If the property is taken off the market for less than a year and then re-marketed, the same Home Information Pack may be used.

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What format is the HIP supplied in?

JS Law will supply your Home Information Pack (HIP) electronically in a PDF document.

Supplying your HIP in this way reduces the amount of paper we supply and the environmental impact we are responsible for. Generally, each Home Information Pack (HIP) contains 50-80 pages.

If you require a paper copy, please let us know and it can be a arranged with a small additional cost of £15.

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Do I have to put electrical certificates in my Pack?

Electrical certificates (past or present) are not a required component of the Pack, but can be included if the seller has them.

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I've lost guarantees of work I have had done - what do I do?

Don't worry - guarantees aren't a required component of the Pack, but can be included if you have them.

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Should the pack include a Home Condition Report?

Inclusion is optional. A Home Condition Report could help you sell your property more quickly if it shows a potential buyer that your property is in good condition. Alternatively, if the report highlights areas of concern these can be discussed or dealt with earlier in the process,  rather than them coming as a nasty (and costly) surprise later.

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If I change Estate Agents, do I have to get another HIP?

If your house has not been taken off the market (i.e. continuous marketing has occurred) then no, you will not need to commission another HIP.

If there has been a break in marketing you will still not need to commission a new HIP as long as your property is remarketed within 12 months of when the hips was first produced.

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What forms of payment does js law accept?

At present we accept cheques, debit and credit card payments. We also offer a 9 months deferred payment option where the cost of the HIP is not taken until the beginning of the ninth calender month. Please enquire for terms and conditions..

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