What's in a Home Information Pack?

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

Properties marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales need a Home Information Pack.

Benefits for sellers

For sellers, providing a home sellers 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.

Benefits for buyers

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

What does a Pack contain?

• Compulsory documents ('Required') - for example, the evidence of title that proves it's yours to sell.
• Optional documents ('Authorised') - such as the Home Condition Report which gives buyers a clear idea of what work, if any, needs to be done to the property.

Compulsory items

The following compulsory documents must be included in a Home Information Pack.

• Home Information Pack Index
• Energy Performance Certificate
• Sale statement
• Standard searches
• Evidence of title
• Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.

However, up until 1 June 2008 it is possible to market a property without all of the compulsory documents.

Optional items

Some documents in the Home Information Pack are optional. These include:

• Home Condition Report - read about the benefits
• Legal summary
• Home use/contents forms
• Other documents
• Additional information for leasehold and commonhold sales, where appropriate.