In research conducted amongst estate agents, only 15 per cent had experienced any problems with the August roll-out of the Packs, with majority (89 per cent) ready and waiting for their arrival.
Karen Babington, sales and marketing director at Easier2move, is firmly behind the 10 September launch for all three-bedroomed homes: “This is a huge confirmation of the importance and validity of this scheme and should silence some of the pundits who doubted the Governments’ commitment to HIPS.
“The only real problems experienced during the initial launch appear to be some customers’ reluctance to pay for the packs (43 per cent). This may be due to the lack of payment options offered by some HIP providers, as we have not seen widespread consumer resentment to these packs as well offer payment on completion.
“We believe that this is due to the fact that the Government and industry have not communicated the benefits of these products clearly to consumers. This view is backed up by our research as 86 per cent of agents felt that ‘the Government hasn’t helped with the consumer confusion’ about HIPs.
“Although 31 per cent of agents are dreading the launch of this new phase, we hope that it will go smoothly and put to rest the fears of the industry, estate agents and consumers. HIPS are a reality and we really need to work to make them a success.”
Babington’s view is one echoed by Mike Richards, managing director ofRichards Gray who said: “We have produced numerous packs that contain information where the registered title element of the HIP has revealed issues that could affect the property sale, proving HIPs are already going some way to fulfill the purpose for which they were introduced.
“Additionally, the energy performance element has been welcomed by the public, with an average annual energy saving of £382.14 being identified in the HIPs we have produced so far.
“While it is too early to make an accurate assessment of the precise impact of HIPs the signs so far are positive. We would urge the Government to confirm a date when HIPs will be rolled out to include all homes as, until this happens, it will be impossible to accurately assess their benefit. A lot of time, money and effort have been spent by the industry in preparation for HIPs and it is right and fair to give them a chance, rather than condemning what, in principle, could be a valuable tool for the house buyer.”
