20 March 2008
A snapshot survey published today by Which? shows that six months after their introduction, there are few signs that Home Information Packs (HIPs) have achieved their aim of improving the process of buying or selling a house.
Which?’s research found that:
> A large part of a HIP is out of date after 4-6 months
> Both sellers and buyers had trouble getting hold of a pack
> HIP inspectors often failed to carry out basic checks
> The quoted price of a HIP ranged from £234 - £529
Mark McLaren, Principal Public Affairs Officer, Which?, says:
“In principle HIPs should help home buyers and sellers, but they are of limited value in their current form*. Our snapshot survey suggests there’s real confusion and a lack of confidence among home buyers and sellers and, most worryingly, by estate agents about HIPs.
“Which? wants to see the Government provide clearer information - to both consumers and estate agents - about HIPs. For instance, estate agents should be required to show potential buyers the HIP.
“But improving HIPs is just the first step - we want to see an independent review of the whole home buying process, to make home buying and selling easier, cheaper and quicker for consumers. It’s been 10 years since this was promised and not enough has changed in England and Wales **.”
* Without compulsory inclusion of a home condition report
** The Scottish Home Report, due to be introduced in December 2008, will include a survey, energy performance certificate and questionnaire with useful information on the home.
