Homeowners Information Pack (HIP)

What is a HIP?

As from 14th December 2007, properties marketed for sale in England and Wales will need a Home Information Pack (HIP). A HIP includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (a surveyor will need to access the property), containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as an Index, sale statement, searches and evidence of title. If your property is Leasehold it will also require a copy of the lease.

What is in a Fridays HIP?

Everything listed above prepared by London's leading property Lawyers. As Conveyancers, Fridays are regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers in relation to the production of a HIPs. Fridays have not set up a separate company exempt from such rules as some legal firms have, and accordingly remain subject to strict standards of professional conduct and compliance in order to provide this service to you. You may not be afforded such a level of protection with a HIP obtained from another source.

Is it really free?

Yes. When you instruct Fridays for your conveyancing & Jasmine Estates as your sole agents, we will cover all the costs of the documentation contained in a HIP (as outlined below). You are not charged for it at the end of the conveyancing process.

We note we have to use Fridays conveyancing services, are their conveyancing fees inflated to cover the costs of the HIP?

Absolutely not! Fridays average fee is £695 plus VAT plus disbursements. They are not the cheapest but have a reputation as being London's leading conveyancing firm on the basis of the speed at which they act as well as the high levels of communication achieved. You may indeed find a conveyancer prepared to charge you £100 less but you need to ask yourself the question "at what cost". At Jasmine Estates, we would say that the cost is an inferior service as well as the cost of a HIP which is on average £400 inclusive of VAT.

Do we pay a fee to Fridays if we take our property off the market before we find a buyer?

No (unlike other agents who charge for the HIP if you withdraw from the market or sell through another agent).

When can I put my property on the market?

Immediately. As soon as you have ordered your HIP with Fridays you can proceed to market your property without delay. You will receive confirmation that a HIP has been commissioned, this can be forwarded to your us (the estate agents) as proof.

Will the HIP still be valid if we find a buyer six months down the line?

Yes. Furthermore should any of the HIP documents expire Fridays will update them free of charge.

What do I do next?

Providing Fridays receive your instructions before 5.00pm Monday - Saturday, they will provide you and us (your estate agent) with a "Proof of Ordering certificate" for your HIP the same day. This will enable you to immediately start the marketing of your property with Jasmine Estates.

Call 0203 149-5866 for more details.

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