What is in a Home Information Pack (HIP)?

HIPs include the key documents that are normally required when homes are bought and sold.

Potential buyers can receive this information at the start of the home buying and selling process. Some documents are compulsory under the legislation.

The compulsory documents include:

• An index (i.e. a list of the contents of the Pack)
• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• A sale statement (summarising the terms of sale)
• Evidence of title
• Standard searches (e.g. local authority enquiries and a drainage and water search)
• Where appropriate, commonhold information
• Where appropriate, leasehold information
  

There are also optional documents that can be provided as part of a Home Information Pack (HIP), including a Home Condition Report (HCR) which gives details on the condition of the property.

Optional documents include:

• A Home Condition Report (HCR)
• A legal summary
• Guarantees and warranties
  
• Other searches relevant to the particular area
• A Home Use Form
• A Home Contents Form and additional relevant information