100 day countdown to HIPs

Ten facts that industry should know about HIPs:

• HIPs will become mandatory on 1 June 2007
• Anyone marketing their property on or after 1 June must acquire a pack before putting their property on the market
• The responsibility for acquiring a HIP rests with the person responsible for marketing the property, usually, the estate agent, developer or auctioneer, or indeed the seller themselves if the property is being sold privately
• Over 1,600 HIPs have already been commissioned in the first six early roll out locations (Bath, Cambridge, Huddersfield, Newcastle, Northampton & Southampton) which commenced in November 2006
• Feedback from agents in the initial six locations is that packs prove a useful selling tool
• In the six initial, area trial locations Home Inspector registrations increased significantly
• In over 20 locations across England and Wales, consumers are already being offered the option of getting a HIP on their home
• A qualification is now available for individuals to train as Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) – enabling them to qualify to compile the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) required in the packs (without having to complete the full Home Inspector qualification)
• Thousands of people have already registered for the DEA qualification
• A HIP Code has now been launched – pack providers adhering to the Code will be subject to stringent standards to ensure maximum protection for the consumer

Mike Ockenden, director-general, AHIPP, said: “HIPs are being introduced to help improve the house buying and selling process for all involved – bringing more information about a property to the front of the process, allowing buyers to make more informed decisions and reducing the number of sales that fall through.

“In the locations where packs are being rolled out already we have received a positive response from industry, with many agents taking the opportunity to ensure they are prepared for when packs become mandatory.

“There is a lot of advice out there, with various courses and seminars being offered by our members as well as groups such as the NAEA and the Law Society - those who are still burying their heads in the sand need to take action now. Whether they like it or not, HIPs will happen on 1 June this year and it is those who are not ready who are going to struggle and will find themselves falling behind the competition.”