Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), conducted by a fully trained and accredited energy assessor, will form a vital part of the Home Information Pack (HIP), which will go live on 1st August for properties with four bedrooms or more.
Paul Broadhead, deputy director general, Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) said: “According to our own research, in addition to the 1,340 accredited assessors, there are a further 1,200 assessors who have applied for accreditation and will be fully accredited by the end of July. With this in mind, Government will easily meet the 2,000 target that it suggests is needed to provide HIPs for homes with three bedrooms or more.
“As a result, I see no reason why, in line with its implementation plan, Government could not introduce mandatory HIPs for three bedroom properties from September, with the rest of the housing stock soon to follow, perhaps as soon as October.”
With 1,340 energy assessors now accredited and a further 1,200 awaiting accreditation, those previously concerned about a lack of available assessors should be very encouraged by the latest figures.
Broadhead said: “Despite Government’s decision in May to delay the introduction of packs, it is encouraging to see that the industry has remained committed to their successful implementation.
“I am confident that those assessors who have continued their training will have a positive future ahead of them and I expect to see the re-introduction of mandatory HIPs for all homes put on the market well before the end of this year.”
