With the government’s national consumer campaign on HIPs now in full flow, a growing number of consumers are expected to start asking estate agents more informed questions about the packs.
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Estate agents still in the early stages of introducing their HIP strategy, or who, up until now have made little effort to prepare for HIPs have been advised to get up-to-date quickly.
Mike Ockenden, director-general at the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), admitted that the industry needed to be better prepared for the introduction of HIPs.
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He said: “Up until now, consumers have been pretty much in the dark with regard to HIPs, with only those in the early roll out locations being offered the opportunity to sample the information packs.
“However, now that the national advertising campaign has kicked in I would anticipate a growing number of consumers to start asking questions.”
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With less than 50 working days until the packs become mandatory, Ockenden believed agents who were not trained on HIPs ran a real risk of losing business.
He added: “There are a series of courses currently on offer, not just for agents but for lenders and solicitors, and I’d advise those who are not up-to-date on HIPs to get informed – fast.”
Ian Crampton, sales director at Ferndown Ltd, commented: “People are still confused over HIPs and do not realise the full implications. HIPs need as much exposure as possible. As an agent and broker, it has been worrying how few people have been asking about the initiative.
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“Estate agents and brokers will be most peoples’ first port of call to ask about HIPs and I think there will be absolute chaos during the first three months with so many unprepared. Lots of people still think they are not going to happen.”
