With the introduction of HIPs set for June 2007, a number of industry commentators have revealed a shortage of inspectors, with an estimated 7,000 needed before the launch.
Eddie Goldsmith, senior partner at law firm Goldsmith Williams, admitted much needed to be done before the deadline. He said: “The government has said that 8,500 people have expressed an interest in becoming qualified as home inspectors. However, to get from around the 400 mark the market is currently at to 7,500 before the end of May 2007 is a very tall order.”
Goldsmith added the costs involved made becoming a home inspector a costly exercise. “Starting from scratch, the costs of training to become a home inspector is about £7,000, which is not cheap.”
However, Paul Broadhead, deputy director-general at the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP), said enough inspectors would be ready for the launch date. “There will be enough people, with around 3,000 chartered surveyors interested. It’s just taking them through the qualification.”
Jonathan Naylor, managing director at Rooftop, added: “It boils down to supply and demand, so there should be enough inspectors. However, the role may be more formulaic, possibly giving a ‘tick box’ HIP.”
Another point raised was the lack of a Home Condition Report (HCR) valuation. Speaking on this subject, Richard Footitt, head of private housing sector for the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), said: “A valuation cannot be included in the HCR but there is nothing to prevent a home inspector carrying out a valuation at the time if they are qualified to do so. Whether a lender accepts that is a matter for them.
“Valuations are not included in the HCR because it is thought they are likely to date quickly and because it would interfere with the right of both parties to negotiate an acceptable price.”
