Heptonstalls advise homeowners to make Home Information Packs a top priority
Heptonstalls LLP Solicitors are now offering an additional service in their Conveyancing Department, by providing Home Information Packs (HIPs) to sellers of residential property. A HIP should be given top priority when thinking about putting a property on the market, as without one a seller will be unable to market their property
The Government extended HIPs to include all residential properties from 14th December 2007. Since that date any person marketing a residential propertyis under a legal obligation to provide one. Failure to do so could result in a fine of £200 if a property is put on the market without a HIP, or at least the required documents as specified in the legislation relating to HIPs.
Eileen Godfrey, Head of Private Client at Heptonstalls comments:
“A seller needs to ensure they have aHIP in place before they put their property on the market. The reason for a HIP is to give buyers the essential information to enable them to make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the purchase of a property”.
Eileen says:
“The often complex legal nature of a HIP means that solicitors are well placed to provide good quality HIPs to assist in the selling of a property. At Heptonstalls we have the legal expertise to guide you through the process from start to finish”.
HIPs contain a number of documents, most of which are essential, includingevidence of titleto the property, an Energy Performance Certificate and standard searches, i.e. Local Authority Search and Water Search.
HIPs provided by Heptonstalls are also portable – if a seller changes estate agent, or decides to sell privately the HIP can betaken with the seller.
For more information call Mike Fish at the firm's Goole office on 01405 765661, Linda Swallow at the Pontefract office on 01977 602804, or Jenny Wilson / Annette Culver at the Howden office on 01430 430209.