Home Information Packs
Before marketing any residential property for sale, it is necessary to have a Home Information Pack ('HIP'), which can be provided to potential buyers. This duty is placed on the seller and on the estate agent acting for the seller by Part 5 of the Housing Act 2004 and by the Home Information Pack (No 2) Regulations 2007. The HIP must contain prescribed information (including certain searches and an Energy Performance Certificate) and can also contain additional authorised information.
The requirement for a HIP was introduced in phases, but has applied to all homes since 14 December 2007, subject to transitional arrangements for properties already on the market at specified dates. There are also transitional arrangements in place where an Energy Performance Certificate is unable to be obtained before the property is put on the market.
Click here for the official HIPs website.
Energy Performance Certificates
In addition to the requirement to include an Energy Performance Certificate within a HIP, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is also required for the sale or letting of all commercial properties (other than exempt properties) from 1 October 2008, subject to transitional provisions in relation to properties already on the market at specified dates.
This requirement is imposed by The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007, as amended by the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2007, the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2007, the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 and the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2008.
Click here for government guidance on EPCs.
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October 2008 |
