Home Information Pack (HIP)

Home information packs, or Hips, are a collection of documents providing information about a property for sale

If you're selling a property in England or Wales, you must have a Hip before you, or your estate agent, can begin marketing your property. Hips are commissioned and paid for by the seller of a property.

Generally your HIP is arranged by your Estate Agent although of course you are completely at liberty to organise this yourself should you prefer. There are a huge number of HIP providers, some are more efficient than others and the cost of the pack can vary widely.
Apple use HIP providers who we know from experience are competitively priced, professional and most importantly, efficient. Producing the HIP quickly is paramount as any delay in production and a potential buyer may be lost

What's in a Hip?

As of 6 April 2009, a Hip must include the following:

• Index
• information questionnaire (PIQ)
• Energy performance certificate (EPC) (predicted energy assessment if new build)
• Sustainability certificate (new homes only)
• Sale statement
• Land Registry documents (eg evidence of title)
• Local property searches
• A copy of the lease (for leasehold properties only)

An energy performance certificate (EPC) shows the energy efficiency rating and environmental impact of your property. It uses an A to G rating system similar to the ones used on fridges and washing machines. It also advises on cost-effective improvements that can be made to cut bills and reduce emissions. 

A PIQ is a document which prospective buyers can use to establish relevant information about a property, such as any previous construction work, improvements, parking arrangements and council tax banding